M\W: 


'  ®Itp  i.  B.  Bill  iCtbrara  : 

# 

Nortti  (EaroUna  ^tate  Mninpraity 

Special 

Collections 

SB413 

R47 
R2 

1876 

THIS  BOOK  MUST  NOT  BE  TAKEN 
FROM  THE  LIBRARY  BUILDING. 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 

in  2009  witii  funding  from 

NCSU  Libraries 


http://www.arcliive.org/details/rliododendronameOOrand 


^IBHARY 


OFTHw 


THE   EHODODENDRON 


"AMERICAN    PLANTS." 


THE    RHODODENDRON 


'- AMERICAN    PLANTS." 


A  TREATISE  ON  THE  CULTURE,  PROPAGATION,  AND 
SPECIES  OF  THE  RHODODENDRON; 


OCLTORAL      XOTES      UPON     OTHER     PLANTS     WHICH     THRIVE     UXDER 

LIKE     TREATMENT,     AND     DESCBIPTIONS      OF      SPECIES     AND 

VAKIETIES;    WITH    A    CHAPTER    UPON    HERBACEOUS 

PLANTS    REQUIRING    SIMILAR    CULTURR. 


EDWARD   SPRAGUE   RAND,  JR., 

ADTHOK  OF  "FLOWERS  FOR    THE    PAHLOK  AND    GARDEN;"    "GARDEN   FL0WEE3;' 
"BLLBSi"     "  SEVE.NTV-FIVE    FLOWERS." 


NEW   YORK: 

PUBLISIIKD   r.Y  IIURD  AND  IIOUGriTOX. 

€ambriOgc :  C^e  lUfacriSitfc  i3rc^«f. 

1876. 


Entered  accoramg  to  Act  ot  Congress,  in  the  year  1871,  by 

EDWAHD    SPEAGUB   RAND,   JR. 

Ill  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington. 


RIVERSIDE,  Cambridge: 

PRINTED    BT   H.    0.    nOUGHTOX  AND   COMPAST 


HENRY  AYINTHROP    SARGENT 


H.  HOLLIS   HUNNEWELL, 

ro     WHOM    A5LERICAN     HORTICULTUEK    IS     SO    LARGELY     INDEBTED, 
XSD  TTUO    FOLLY    APPRECIATE     THE     BEAUTIES     OF 

"  Jimcritau  IJlants," 

THIS     VOLUME     IS    CORDIALLY     INSCRIBED. 


/^^J 


PREFACE   TO  THE   FOURTH  EDITION. 


T~\URING  the  five  years  which  have  elapsod 
-*— ^  since  the  publication  of  the  first  edition  of 
"  Rhododendrons,"  increased  attention  has  been 
paid  to  the  cultivation  of  American  Plants.  A  few 
years  since  we  seldom  found  rhododendrons  and 
azaleas  in  the  garden  as  shrubbery ;  now  they  are 
often  seen  and  greatly  appreciated.  The  culture  of 
these  plants  is,  however,  still  in  its  infancy,  and  each 
year  is  witnessing  increasing  interest  in  the  subject. 

While  a  new  edition  of  '"  Rhododendrons  "  is  de- 
manded, there  is,  however,  little  the  author  can  add 
to  the  subject  matter. 

or  new  varieties,  we  find  in  the  catalogues  of 
English  and  continental  growers  the  usual  abun- 
dance, but  we  have  yet  to  see  any  which'  are  de- 
cidedly better  for  general  culture  than  those  we 
have  already  recommended. 

The  greater  part  of  those  which  have  attracted 
attention  abroad  are  seedlings,  with  a  strong  ad- 


If^d 


viii  PEEFACE    TO   THE  FOURTH   EDITION. 

mixture  of  the  blood  of  the  Asiatic  species  and 
varieties  ;  to  this  they  owe  their  vivid  color,  but 
this  same  cause  unfits  them  for  open  air  culture  in 
our  climate,  as  they  are  of  too  delicate  a  constitution 
to  withstand  the  severity  of  our  winters,  or  flower 
too  early  for  our  uncertain  springs.  In  greenhouse 
varieties,  some  fine  hybrids  have  been  raised  in  the 
Sikkim  class.  These  are  well  worthy  of  cultiva- 
tion where  there  is  sufficient  room  under  glass,  and 
require  only  the  general  culture  given  camellias, 
thriving  in  the  same  temperature.  In  this  country, 
while  many  seedHngs  have  been  produced,  we  have 
seen  none  superior  in  form  or  color  to  the  old  varie- 
ties. This  superiority  we  can  hardly  hope  for,  but 
we  may  attain  by  judicious  hybridization  increased 
hardiness,  larger  foliage,  and  greater  substance  of 
flower. 

It  is  as  yet  too  early  to  decide  whether  in  these 
respects  American  seedlings  are  acquisitions. 

In  Azaleas  there  has  been  some  progress.  Many 
seedlings  liave  been  raised  from  Azalea  mollis,  a 
well  known  Japanese  species,  which  for  size  and 
color  of  flower  and  floriferous  quality  are  decided 
acquisitions.  These  seedlings  will  probably  prove 
hardy,  though  there  is  danger  of  the  flower-buds 
being  killed  in  severe  winters.  As  far  as  tried,  the 
plants  seem  to  have  a  good  constitution,  although  it 
is  yet  too  soon  to  speak  confidently  as  to  their  hardi- 


PRKFACE  TO  THE  FOURTH  EDITION.       IX 

ness.  Some  of  these  varieties  are  beautifully  figured 
in  "  Flore  des  Serres,"  vol.  19,  plates  177  to  180. 
Perhaps  the  great  value  of  these  seedlings  will  be  for 
forcing  for  conservatory  decoration,  where  their 
bright  color  and  free  flowering  habit  will  render 
them  favorites. 

The  winter  of  1871-2,  will  long  be  remembered 
by  horticulturists,  for  the  unparalleled  destruction  of 
vegetable  life.  The  causes  which  led  to  this,  must 
forever  remain  a  mystery,  though  the  facts  of  cli- 
matic temperature,  drought,  and  rain-fall  for  that 
season,  are  well  set  forth  in  the  elaborate  report  of 
a  committee  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural 
Society,  printed  with  the  transactions  of  1872. 

The  enumeration  of  plants  appended  to  this  re- 
port, with  statements  of  how  they  were  affected  in 
different  localities,  is  of  great  value  in  determining 
the  comparative  hardiness  of  varieties. 

As  might  be  expected,  rhododendrons  and  Ameri- 
can plants  suffered  severely.  At  Glen  Ridge,  we  car- 
ried off  cart-loads  of  dead  plants,  and  the  spring  of 
1872  found  us  almost  ready  to  abandon  the  culture 
of  rhododendrons.  Yet  the  loss  was  soon  made  good 
by  the  vigorous  growth  of  the  survivors,  and  now 
it  is  hard  to  tell  where  a  plant  was  lost. 

Azaleas  had  all  their  flower-buds  killed,  but  the 
plants  were  generally  uninjured,  and  bloomed  finely 
the  following  year. 


X  PREFACE   TO    THE    FOURTH    EDITION. 

A  great  impetus  was  given  to  rlKjJodendron 
culture  by  the  magnificent  exliibition  made  by  H. 
Hollis  Hunnewell,  Esq.,  on  Boston  Common  in 
June,  1873.  For  those  who  were  fortunate 
enough  to  see  the  masses  of  azaleas  and  rhododen- 
drons then  exhibited,  no  description  will  be  neces- 
sary, and  to  others,  we  cannot  give  an  idea  of  the 
beauty  of  the  flowers  and  the  perfection  of  the  ar- 
rangement. The  plants  were  removed  from  the 
garden,  carted  to  Boston  Common,  planted  in 
masses,  remained  there  until  out  of  bloom,  were 
replanted  at  Wellesley,  and  when,  in  the  following 
autumn,  we  examined  them,  we  could  not  distinguish 
those  which  had  been  removed,  from  those  which 
had  flowered  where  they  had  grown  for  years.. 

The  success  of  this  first  American  exhibition  of 
rhododendrons  leads  us  to  the  conclusion  that  the 
plants  are  of  far  easier  management  than  we  had 
supposed,  and  possess  a  tenacity  of  life  superior  to 
most  garden  shrubs. 

A  collection  of  rhododendrons  is  still  expensive  ; 
the  unjust  and  oppressive  duty  is  still  imposed  on 
importations,  and  although  plants  are  cheap  in 
England,  the  addition  of  freight  and  duty  to  first 
cost,  makes  them  expensive  here.  It  is,  however, 
far  better  to  buy  a  few  good  sized  plants  of  hardy 
varieties,  than  many  small  plants ;  the  former  give 
immediate  results,  and  are  just  as  easily  and  safely 
transplanted. 


PREFACE  TO  THE  FOURTH  KDITIOX.       XI 

To  cultural  directions  we  have  little  to  add.  A 
well  made  rhododendron-bed  will  need  no  renovat- 
ing in  a  score  of  years :  but  if  the  plants  seem  to 
lack  nourishment,  well  rotted"  cow  manure  may  be 
applied  with  beneficial  result. 

As  we  said  years  ago,  so  now,  when  the  promise 
of  bloom  for  the  coming  year  is  greater  than  ever 
before,  we  say  to  all  lovers  of  flowers,  "  plant  rho- 
dodendrons." 

Glex   Hidge,   Jaiiuan/,  1876. 


7-  ^\c 


¥ 


INTRODUCTION. 


npHE  object  of  the  present  volume  is  to  introduce 
to  pojmlar  notice  a  class  of  plants  which,  in 
England,  forms  one  of  the  most  attractive  orna- 
ments of  the  garden.  They  are  commonlj  known 
as  "  American  Plants;  "  as  the  earliest  known  Rho- 
dodendrons, the  Kalmias,  and  some  of  the  Azaleas, 
are  natives  of  this  continent.  The  name  lias,  how- 
ever, been  extended  to  embrace  many  other  plants 
that  require  the  same  general  culture,  but  which 
are  not  indigenous  to  America. 

It  is  a  singular  and  most  unaccountable  fact  that 
these  plants  are  in  this  country  but  little  known  in 
cultivation. 

The  hillsides,  from  Massachusetts  to  Virginia, 
are  glorious  masses  of  the  Mountain  Laurel  (Kal- 
mia)  ;  and  all  through  the  Middle  States,  and  up 
the  slopes  of  the  Alleghanies,  we  find  thousands  of 
acres  of  the  Rose  Bay,  or  "  Great  Laurel "  (Rhodo- 


XIV  INTRODUCTION. 

denclron).  Yet  seldom  is  a  plant  of  either  to  be 
found  in  the  garden  !  There  is  a  popular  belief  that 
these  plants  "  cannot  be  cultivated." 

In  spring  -we  eagerly  buy  the  spicy  blossoms  of 
the  May  Flower  (Epigeea),  yet  never  think  we 
may  have  it  blooming  in  perfection  in  our  shrub- 
beries. 

Popular  opinion  says  it  "  cannot  be  grown  in 
gardens ; "  and  there  we  rest,  without  trying  the 
.experiment. 

To  show  that  these  plants  can  be  grown  as  easily 
as  any  others  is  the  purpose  in  the  following  pages. 

The  species  we  may  find  wild  in  our  woods  are 
beautiful  enough  to  merit  every  attention,  but  we 
.arc  by  no  means  limited  to  these. 

The  skill  of  the  hybridist,  exercised  during  a  score 
of  years,  has  created  a  wealth  of  floral  beauty  in 
Rhododendrons  and  Azaleas. 

We  may  have  masses  of  bloom  of  almost  any 
color  and  shade,  and  combinations  and  contrasts 
innumerable. 

To  those  who  have  seen  the  magnificent  displays 
of  these  plants  at  Wodenethe,  the  charming  resi- 
dence of  H.  W.  Sargent,  or  at  TVellesley,  the  magni- 
ficent estate  of  H.  HoUis  Hunhewell,  no  word  of 
ours  in  praise  of  their  beauty  will  be  needed. 

In  our  own  culture,  at  Glen  Ridge,  we  have  not 
been  unsuccessful ;  and  although  our  experience  is 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

liinitcd  to  the  past  ten  years,  the  results  liavc  been 
so  eminently  satisfactory  as  to  excite  most  sanguine 
hopes  for  the  future. 

Our  collection  of  hybrid  varieties  of  Catawbicnse 
Rhododendrons  is  probably  larger  than  any  in  the 
country,  and  is  yearly  largely  increased  for  the  pur- 
pose of  experimenting  as  to  their  hardiness. 

These  plants  are  attractive  at  all  seasons :  in 
flower  they  are  magnificent,  in  foliage  they  excel 
any  evergreen. 

They  can  be  grown  as  easily  as  lilacs,  and  bloom 
quite  as  freely. 

In  the  arrangement  of  the  following  pages,  Part  I. 
is  purely  cultural ;  Part  II.  comprises  a  list  of  the 
species  of  Rhododendron,  and  also  a  selection  of 
hybrid  Catawbiense  varieties.  To  give  a  full  list  of 
these  latter  would  be  almost  impossible :  some  Eng- 
lish catalogues  contain  hundreds  of  varieties,  and 
often  but  very  few  of  these  will  be  common  to  any 
two  catalogues. 

We  have  in  every  case,  where  possible,  referred  to 
a  colored  illustration  of  the  flower,  where  one  was 
to  be  found  in  any  book  generally  accessible ;  and 
have,  in  the  list  of  books  quoted,  stated  where  in 
tliis  vicinity  they  could  be  found. 

Part  III.  treats  of  Azaleas,  Kalmias,  and  other 
l)lants  which  resemble  Rhododendrons,  and  thrive 
under  similar  culture.     This  list  has  been  extended 


Xvi  INTRODUCTION. 

to  include  many  plants  not  generally  known,  and 
seldom  found  in  gardens.  Of  most  of  these  we 
write  from  experience,  and  can  urge  their  cultiva- 
tion. Many  are  low- growing,  and  suited  for  an 
undergrowth  in  shrubberies,  or  as  a  covering  for 
the  surface  soil  in  Rhododendron-beds. 

All  are  very  desirable,  and,  if  not  to  be  obtained 
in  this  country,  can  be  easily  imported  with  but 
little  expense. 

In  Part  IV.  we  have  given  brief  descriptions  of 
plants  which  grow  well  in  Rhododendron-beds. 

We  would  strongly  urge  their  cultivation,  as  they 
add  much  to  the  attractions  of  the  shrubbery ;  and 
thus  wc  are  enabled  to  grow  many  botanical  treas- 
ures which  never  find  place  in  the  herbaceous 
border. 

This  chapter  is,  however,  only  a  condensotion  of 
a  portion  of  a  volume  on  "  Herbaceous  Plants," 
which  we  hope  soon  to  lay  before  the  public. 

To  all  who  would  obtain  large  floral  results,  with 
but  little  effort,  we  would  say :  "  Grow  Rhododen- 
drons, and  other  American  Plants :  they  are  always 
beautiful,  pleasing  alike  in  evergreen  foliage  and  in 
gorgeous  bloom," 

Glen  Ridge,  February,  1871. 


1?^' 


>»^/  j^a^^^^^ 


CONTENTS. 


Dedication v 

Pheface  to  Fouutii  Edition' vii 

Intkoductiox .  xiii 

List  of  Botanical  Wohks  referkkd  to     .     .     .  xxi 


P  A  U  T     I. 

CULTURE    OF    THE    RHODODENDRON. 

CHAPTER    I. 

Preparation  of  Soil.  Planting.  Mulching.  Manuring.  Prun- 
ing. Transplanting.  Treatment  after  Flowering.  Diseases. 
Insect  Enemies.  Winter  Protection.  Importing  and  Pro- 
curing Plants.  Standard  Rhododendrons.  Dwarf  Rhodo- 
dendrons       3-28 


CHAPTER    II.      . 

Indoor  Culture.     Rhododendron  Houses.     Forcing.     As  Par- 
lor Plants 29-32 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    III. 


Propagation.     Layers.    Cuttings.    Inarching.    .Seed.    Hybrid- 
ization       33-39 


CHAPTER    IV. 

Comparative    Hardiness.     Houses    for    Winter     Protection. 


Groupi 


39-48  \ 


PART     II. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    THE    RHODODENDRON. 

Rhododendron  ponticum  and  varieties.  Rhododendron  maxi- 
mum and  varieties.  R.  daui-icum.  R.  californicum.  R. 
arboreum  and  varieties.  R.  albiflorum.  R.  anthopogon. 
R.  campanulatum.  R.  caucasicum  and  varieties.  R.  chry- 
santhum.  R.  punctatum.  R.  liirsutum.  R.  ferrugineum. 
R.  lapponicum.  R.  kamtschaticum.  R.  chamsecistus.  Sikkim 
Rhododendrons.  R.  Dalhousias.  R.  barbatum.  R..  lanci- 
foliura.  R.  Wallichii.  R.  Campbellias.  R.  Roylii.  R. 
cinnabarinum.  R.  elteagnoides.  R.  argenteum.  R.  Fal- 
coneri.  R.  vaccinioides.  R.  niveum.  R.  obovatum.  R. 
lepidotum.  R.  Aucklandii.  R.  Thomsoni.  R.  pendukim. 
R.  pumikim.  R.  nodgsoiii.  R.  lanatuni.  R.  glaucum.  R. 
Maddeni.  R.  triflorum.  R.  setosum.  R.  Edgeworthi.  R. 
ajruginosum.  R.  sahgneum.  R.  ciliatum.  R.  fulgens. 
R.  nivale.  R.  virgatum.  R.  Wightii.  R.  camelliajflorum. 
R.  candelabrum.  R.  campylocarpum.  R.  Nilagiricum. 
R.  formosum.  R.  Gibsoni.  R.  javanicum.  R.  citrinuin. 
R.  jasminiflorum.  R.  ChampionaB.  R.  Farrerse.  R.  Met- 
ternichi.  R.  album.  R.  Batemani.  R.  blandfordianum. 
R.  Boothii.     R.  Brookianum.     R.  calophyllum.     R.  graude. 


CONTENTS.  XIX 

R.  GrilHtliianum.  R.  Hookcri.  R.  Kciidrickii.  R.  Keysii. 
R.  moulmaynense.  R.  Slioplieniii.  R.  Niittallii.  R. 
retusuin.  R.  Smithii.  R.  Vcichiamini.  R.  Windsorii. 
R.  Lobbianum.  R.  Thibaiulicnse.  R.  Fortuni.  Hybrid 
varieties.  R.  Aprilis.  R.  alstromei-ioides.  R.  Wilsoni. 
R.  precox.  R.  Prince  of  Wales  (RoUinson's),  R.  carneum. 
R.  Cartoni.  R.  caucasicum  arboreuin.  R.  Denisoni.  R. 
album  speciosum.  R.  Sesterianum.  R.  Princess  Alexandra. 
R.  Princess  Helena.  R.  Princess  Alice.  R.  Madame  Van 
Houtte.  R.  Othello  (Van  Houtte).  R.  Grand  Due  de 
Bade.  R.  Madame  Wagner.  R.  Madame  Picouline.  R. 
omniguttatura.  R.  myrtifolluin.  R.  I'ragrans.  R.  bybrldum. 
R.  Govenianum.  R.  Torlonianum.  R.  arboreum  cinnamo- 
meum.  R.  Comtesse  Ferdinand  Visant.  R.  dapbnoides. 
R.  ovatum.  R.  Countess  of  Haddington.  R.  aurcum  mag- 
nificum.  R.  Catawbiense.  Catawbiense  Hybrids,  List  of 
Select  Varieties 49-110. 


^  PART     III. 

OTHER    AMERICAN    PLANTS. 

Plants  thhiving  under  Similar  Culture  with  Rhodo- 
dendrons, COamONLY  KNOWN  AS   "  AMERICAN  PLANTS."' 

I.  The  Azalea,  culture  and  species  of.  —  H.  The  Rhodora.  — 
m.  The  Loiseleuria.  —  IV.  TheKalniia.  — V.  The  Ledum. 
—  VL  The  Leiophyllum.  —  VIL  The  Menziesia.  — VHL 
The  Phyllodoce.  — IX.  TheCalluna.— X.  The  Gypsocallis. 
—•XI.  The  Cassiope.  —  XII.  The  Arctostaphylos.  —  XIII. 
The  EpigiEa.  —  XIV.  The  Gaultheria.  —  XV.  The  Chio- 
genes.  —  XVL  The  Linnsea.  —  XVII.  The  Mitchella.  — 
XVni.  The  Empetrum.— XIX.  The  Vaccineum.  —  XX. 
The  Leucothoe.— XXI.  The  Cassandra.  —  XXIL  The 
Zenobla.  —  XXIH.     The     Andromeda.  —  XXIV.     The 


X  CONTENTS. . 

Daphne.  — XXV.  The  Skhnmla.  — XXVI.  The  Pernettya. 
—  XXVII.  The  Hypericum.— XXVIIL  The  Polygala.— 
XXIX.  The  Pyrola.  —  XXX.  The  Moneses.  —  XXXI. 
The  Chimaphila 113-150 


PA  R  T     IV. 

HERBACEOUS    PLANTS    ADAPTED    FOR    CULTURE 
IN    RHODODENDRON-BEDS. 

I.  The  Hepatica.  —  II.  The  Sanguinaria.  —  III.  The  Jeffer- 
sonia.  — IV.  The  Caltha.  — V.  The  Dentaria.  —  VI.  The 
Anemone.  —  Vn.  The  Claytonia.  —  VIII.  The  Scilla. — 
IX.  The  Camassia.  — X.  The  Oxalis.  — XI.  The  Erythro- 
nium. — Xn.  The  Arisffima.  —  XIII.  The  Pachysandra. — 
XIV.  The  Dodecatheon.— XV.  The  Trientalis.  — XVI. 
The  Mitella.  —  XVII.  The  Tiarella.  —XVIII.  The  Helonias. 
-XIX.  The  Clintoma.— XX.  The  Cornus.  —  XXI.  The 
Convallaria.— XXII.  The  Ficaria. —XXIII.  The  Raniin- 
cuhis.— XXIV.  The  Hellebore.— XXV.  The  Ephnedium, 
—  XXVI.  The  Cvpripedium.— XXVII.  The  Trillium.— 
XXVIII.  The  Lily 153-176 


LIST 


ILLUSTRATED  BOTANICAL   WORKS    REFERRED    Ta 


Abbreviations. 

Bos.  Atii.e Library  of  Boston  Athen«um. 

Bos.  Pub.  Lib.  ,    .    .  Library  of  City  of  Boston. 

Bos.  Xat.  His.  Soc.  .  Library  of  Boston  Society  of  Natural  Histoiy. 

E.  S.  R.  Jr Library  of  Edw.  S.  Rand,  Jr. 

Mass.  Hokt.  Soc.  .    •  Library  of  Jlassachusetts  Horticultural  Society. 

Har.  Col Library  of  Harvard  College. 


And.  Rep.    .     . 


Bartox,  Fl. 


Bartox,  Med.  .    . 


ANDREWS,  The  Botanist's  Repository. 

London,  1797-1811.     10  vols.  4to. 

Col.  PI.  1-664. 
Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 
Barton,  A  Flora  of  North  America. 

Philadelphia,  1821-23.     3  vols.  4to. 

Col.  PI.  1-106. 
Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr. ;  Bos.  Athaj. 
Barton,     Medical     Botany    of    the 

United  States.    Philadelphia,  1817- 

18.     2  vols.  4to.     Col.  PI.  1-50. 
Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc. ;  Lib.  E.  S.  R. 

Jr. ;  Bos.  Athae. 


LIST   OF  WORKS   REFERRED   TO. 


Bax.  Brit.  Bot. 


Big.  ]\lEr>. 


Bot.  ]\Lvg.   .    . 


Bot.  Reg. 


Baxter,  British  Phaenogamous  Bot- 
any. London,  1834-43.  6  vols. 
8vo.     Col.  PI.  1-509. 

Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc.  and  E.  S.  E.  Jr, 

BiGELOW,  American  Medical  Botany. 
Boston,  1817-20.  3  vols.  4to. 
Col.  PI.  1-60. 

Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr.;  Lib.  Bos.  Nat. 
His.  Soc. ;  Bos.  Atbae. 

Curtis,  Botanical  Magazine.     Lon- 
don, 1783-1871.     96  vols.  8vo. 
Series      I. :  vols.    1-53. 

11. :  vols.  63-70.       • 
,,      IIL  :  vols".  71-96  and  con. 

Col.  PI.  1-5877. 

Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc.  and  E.  S.  R. 
Jr. ;  Lib.  Bos.  Nat.  His.  Soc. ; 
Bos.  Athaj. ;  Bos.  Pub.  Lib. ;  Har. 
Col. 

Edwards,  The  Botanical  Register. 
London,  1815-47.  33  vols.  Royal 
8vo. 

Vols.  1-23.     Col.  PI.  1-2014. 

Vol.  24.  1838.   Col.  PI.  1-68. 


Vol.  25. 

1839.  „ 

„  1-69. 

Vol.  26. 

1840.  „ 

,  1-71. 

Vol.  27. 

1841.  „ 

,  1-70. 

Vol.  28. 

1842.  „ 

,  1-69. 

Vol.  29. 

1843.  „ 

,  1-66. 

Vol.  30. 

1844.  „ 

,  1-67. 

Vol.  31. 

1845.  „ 

,  1-69. 

Vol.  32. 

1846.  „ 

,  1-69. 

Vol.  33. 

1847.  „ 

,  1-70. 

In  all     .     .     .     2702  plates. 
Lib.  of  Mass.  Hort.  Soc.  and  E.  S. 
R.  Jr. ;  and  Bos.  Nat.  His.  Soc. ; 
Bos.  Pub.  Lib. 


LIST    OF   WORKS   REFERRED    TO.  XXlH 

Eng.  Bot Smith  &  SowKunv,  English  Botany. 

London,  1790-1814.     3G  vols.  8vo. 

Col.  PI.  1-2592. 
Supplement    by    Hooker.      London, 

1831-55.     5  vols.     Col.  PI.   2593- 

2995. 
Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc. 
New  Edition,  arranged  according  to 

natural  system.    London,  1863-70. 

Vols.  1-10,  and  continued.     Royal 

8vo.     Col.  PI.  1-1545. 
Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 
Fl.  pes  Ser.    .     .     .     V^vx  HouTTE,  Flore   dcs   Serres   et 

d'is  Jardins  de  TEurope.     18  vols. 

Gand,   1845-1871,   and  continued. 

Col.  PI.  1-1926. 
Lib.  jNIass.  Hort.  Soc.  and  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 
Fl.  'Ma.g Moore,  The  Floral  Magazine.    Lon- 
don, 1861-71.     9  vols.  8vo.     Col. 

PL  1-512,  and  continued. 
Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc.  andE.  S.  R.  Jr. 
Florist The  Florist.      1st    Series.    London, 

1848-62.  14  vols.  12mo.  Col.  PI.— 

2d  Series.  London,  1862-67.  6  vols. 

Royal  8vo.       144    Col.    PL  — 3d 

Series.    1868-71,    and    continued. 

3  vols.  Royal  8vo.     36  Col.  PL 
Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc.  andE.  S.  R.  Jr. 
Hen.  Lllus.  Bou.      .     Hexdersox,    The    Illustrated    Bou- 
quet.    London,   1857-64.     3  vols. 

4to.     CoL  PL  1-85. 
Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc. 
Hook.  Ex Hooker,  Exotic  Flora.    Edinburgh, 

1823-27.     3  vols.   8vo.     Col.   PL 

1-232. 
Lib.   Mass.   Hort.    Soc. ;   Bos.   Nat. 

His.  Soc. ;  Bos.  Pub.  Lib. 


LIST   OF  WORKS   REFEKRED   TO. 


[Look.  Fl.  Bor.  Aji. 


Hook.  Ehod. 


IXLUS.   HORT.     . 


Lem,  Jar.     .     . 


LODD.    C^VB. 


Maud.  Box. 


Mich.  Arb.  .     . 


Hooker,  Flora  Boi-eali-Americana. 
Loudon,  1833-40.  2-  vols.  4to. 
PI.  1-238. 

Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr. ;  Bos.  Nat.  His. 
Soc. ;  Bos.  Pub.  Lib. ;  Bos.  Athae. 

Joseph  D.  Hooker,  The  Rhododen- 
drons of  Sikkiiu  Himalaya.  Lon- 
don, 1849-55.  ivol.  foUo.  PL  1-30. 

Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc.  and  E.  S.  E. 
Jr. ;  Bos.  Nat.  His.  Soc. 

Lemaire,  L'lUustration  Horticole. 
Gand,  1854-71.  17  vols.  8vo. 
1st  Series,  vols.  1-10,  1854-G3. 
Col.  PI.  1-386.  2d  Series,  vols. 
11-17,  and  continued.  Col.  PI, 
387-550. 

Lib.  Mass.  Hoi-t.  Soc.  and  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 

Lemaire,  Le  Jardin  Fleuriste.  Gand, 
1851-54.  4  vols.  8vo.  Col.  PI. 
1-430. 

Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 

LoDDiGE, '  The  Botanical  Cabinet. 
London,  1818-33.  20  vols.  L.  P 
square  Sto.     Col.  PI.  1-2000. 

Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr. ;  Lib.  Har.  Col. ; 
Bos.  Pub.  Lib. 

Maund,  The  Botanist.  London,  1839- 
44.  5  vols.  L.  P.  smaU  4to.  Col. 
PI.  1-250. 

Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 

MiCHAUX,  The  North  American 
Sylva.  Philadelphia,  1857.  3  vols. 
L.  P.  Royal  8vo.  Col.  PI.  1-156. 
Continued  by  Nuttall,  3  vols,  uni- 
form with  above.     Col.  PI.  1-121. 

Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr. ;  Mass.  Hort.  Soc.  ; 
Bos.  Soc.  Nat.  His.;  Bos.  Pub. 
Lib. :  Bos,  Athaa. 


LIST   OF   WORKS  REFERRED   TO. 


-\.\V 


Pvx    Fl    G       ...     PaxtOX,  The  Flower  Garden.     Lon- 
tlcn,  1850-53.     3  vols.  4to.     Col. 
ri.  1-lOG. 
Lib.  Mass.  Ilort.  Soc.  aiulE.  S.  R.  Jr. 
Pvx    MvG Paxtox,  Magazine  of  Botany.     Lon- 
don, 1834-19.     16  vols.  Svo.    Col. 
Pi.  48  in  each  vol.,  in  all  7G8. 
Lib.  Mass.   Hovt.  Soc.  and  E.  S.  R. 
Jr. ;  Bos.  Atlise.     * 
PuKSii    Fl   .     .     .     .     PuBSii,  Flora  Americaj  Septentrion- 
alis.     London,  1814.     2  vols.  Svo. 
24  plain  and  colored  plates. 
Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 

Eev    IIout Revue    Hortlcole.     Paris,     1855-71, 

and  continued.  16  vols.  1855-65, 
24  colored  plates  in  each  vol. ; 
1865-71,  52  colored  plates  in  each 
vol. 
Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc.  and  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 
SiEB    Fl    Jap..     .     .     Siecold,   Flora    Japonica.     2    vols. 

PI.  1-127. 

Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc.  and  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 

Vol.  II.  do.  1870.     PI.  128-150. 

Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc. 
Steph.  Med.     .     .     •     Stephenson,  Medical  Botany.    Lon- 
don, 1834-36.     3  vols.  8vo.     Col. 
PI.  1-185. 

Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 

Sweet    Fl    G.      .     .     Sweet,  The  British  Flower  Garden. 
Sweet.  1l.  ^  ^^^^^^^    ^^^^_^^^     ^    ^.^j^_   g^^ 

Col.  PI.  1-300.  —  2d  Series.  Lon- 
don,  1831-38.     4  vols.  Svo.     Col. 
PI.  1-452. 
Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc.  and  E.  S.  R. 
Jr. :  Bos.  Pub.  Lib. 


LIST   OF  WOKKS  REFERRED   TO. 


ToRR.  N.  Y.     .     . 


Wight,  Ic. 


Sweet,  Oex.  G.  .  .  Sweet,  The  Ornamental  Flower  Gar- 
den. London,  1854.  4  vols.  8vo. 
Col.  PI.  288. 

Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 

ToRREY,  Flora  of  the  State  of  New 
York.  Albany,  1843.  2  vols.  4to. 
Col.  PI.  1-161. 

Lib.  E.  S.  E.  Jr. 

Wight,  Icones  Plantarum  Indiae 
Orientalis.  Madras,  1838-53.  6 
vols.  4to.     PI.  1-2101. 

Lib.  Mass.  Hort.  Soc.  and  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 
Wight,  III.      ,     .     .     Wight,  Illustrations  of  Indian  Bot- 
any.    INIadras,    1838-48.      2  vols. 
4to.     Col.  PI.  1-182. 

Lib.  E.  S.  R.  Jr. 
Wood.  Med.     .     .     .     Woodville,  Medical  Botany.     Lon- 
don, 1832.    5  vols.  4to.   Vols.  1-4, 
Col.  PI.   1-274;  vol.  5,  Col.  PI. 
1-39. 


^^ 


PART    1. 

CULTURE     OF    THE    RHODODENDRON. 


THE   EHODODENDEON. 


PART    I. 

OULTUIIE    OF    THE    RHODODENDRON. 


CHAPTER    I. 


PREPARATION   OF   THE   SOIL. 


'T^HE  highest  aim  in  the  cultivation  of  a  plant  is 
-^  to  grow  it  in  such  a  manner  as  to  attain  the 
most  perfect  results.  Careless  culture,  though  some- 
times partially  successful,  in  most  cases  brings  dis- 
appointment. 

To  grow  a  plant  well,  requires  a  study  of  its 
peculiarities,  and  adaptations  to  suit  them. 

There  are,  in  plant  culture,  certain  general  rules 
which  can  never  be  transgressed:  these  are  usu- 
ally understood.  There  are  also  many  lesser  points 
to  be  observed,  too  often  wholly  ignored,  but  they 
contribute  greatly  to  success,  which  is  often  in  direct 
ratio  with  their  observance. 

The  Rhododendron  requires  careful  culture.  To 
those  who  are  not  willing  to  give  it,  we  say,  Do  not 


4  THE   RHODODENDEON. 

attempt  to  grow  Ehododendrons  ;  yet,  so  doing,  you 
give  up  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  plants,  one  of 
the  most  glorious  ornaments  of  the  garden,  which 
more  richly  repays  the  care  it  requires  than  any 
plant  we  can  mention.  Let  us  not,  however,  be 
misunderstood.  After  the  first  planting,  that  being 
well  done,  the  Klwdodendron  requires  less  attention 
than  any  other  plant ;  but  this  preparation  of  the 
soil  is  of  primary  importance. 

We  are  aware  that  in  this  we  differ  from  some 
cultivators,  who  maintain  that  Rhododendrons  will 
do  well  in  any  garden  soil.  This  is  true  in  a  degree  ; 
for  the  plants  will  live,  grow,  and  bloom  in  any  deep 
loam  not  containing  lime  ;  but  they  will  not,  under 
this  culture,  attain  the  highest  perfection,  either  of 
foliage  or  flower. 

The  Rhododendron  is  a  native  of  swamps,  of 
shady  mountain  sides,  or  of  deep  ravines,  usually 
on  the  banks  of  mountain  streams.  In  these  situa- 
tions it  forms  impenetrable  thickets  or  jungles,  the 
plant  attaining  great  size,  the  boughs  bending  down 
and  rooting  by  natural  layers,  producing  in  the 
Middle  and  Southern  States  the  nearest  approach 
our  flora  can  make  to  a  tropical  jungle. 

Some  species  are  found  in  mountain  swamps, 
occasionally  in  high  latitudes,  but  always  in  moist 
situations. 

The  natural  habitat  of  the  plants  gives  us  the  first 
requisite  for  their  successful  culture, —  a  moist  soil. 
The  roots  of  all  the  species,  except  perhaps  some 
of  the  epiphytal  kinds  of  the  Himalaya  Momitains, 
are  fine  and  hair-like ;  and  drought  is  certain  death. 


PIIKPARATION   OF  THE   SOIL.      .  O 

In  a  wild  state,  tlicy  grow  most  luxuriantly  in  a 
peaty  loam,  formed  by  the  debris  of  decayed  vege- 
table matter,  such  as  wood  and  leaves,  wdth  an 
admixture  of  disintegrated  rocks,  and  generally  in 
a  shady  situation.  These  conditions  we  must,  in  a 
measure,  imitate  in  cultivation. 

It  is  a  singular  fact  that  cultivation  has  in  some 
plants  produced  greater  abundance  of  bloom  and 
luxuriance  of  growth  than  they  ever  exhibit. in  their 
native  haunts.  This  has  especially  been  shown  with 
some  of  the  orchids  of  India  and  South  America. 

The  fact  is,  to  some  extent,  true  of  Rhododendrons ; 
many  species  producing  in  our  gardens  larger  and 
finer  flowers  than  in  their  wdld  state. 

In  preparing  for  Rhododendrons,  the  situation  of 
the  bed  is  of  primary  importance.  The  plants  will  do 
well  in  any  exposure,  but  they  naturally  love  shade ; 
and  a  northern  hill-side  is  the  best  place  for  the  bed. 
Our  largest  plantations  are  on  a  steep  hill,  sloping  to 
the  north-west,  and  exposed  to  the  full  fury  of  the 
winter  storms.  In  such  a  situation  not  only  do  the 
hardy  varieties  do  well,  but  even  some  kinds,  con- 
sidered tender  in  Eugland,  stand  the  winter  unin- 
jured. 

In  a  southern  exposure  the  foliage  is  seldom  as 
fine  as  where  the  plants  are  sheltered  from  the  full 
sun,  though  they  sometimes  set  more  bloom.  A 
large  bed  on  our  lawn  stood  uninjured  the  parch- 
ing summer  of  1870,  and  is  now  in  fine  health,  with  a 
promise  of  abundant  bloom  for  the  coming  year. 
The  roots,  however,  never  Ijccame  dry,  as  the  bed 
was  kept  moist  by  heavy  mulching. 


t)  THE    RHODODENDRON. 

The  test  was,  nevertheless,  a  very  severe  one,  as 
the  bed  was  made  by  filjing  in  an  old  gravel  pit ; 
and  the  location  "was  so  hot  and  dry,  that  large 
white  pines,  growing  naturally  close  by,  perished 
from  drought. 

The  fact  that  the  Rhododendron  thrives  on  a 
northern  exposure  should  of  itself  be  a  great  incen- 
tive to  its  cultivation.  What  country  place  is  there 
which  has  not  a  bare  northern  slope,  some  cold 
exposure  where  "  nothing  will  grow "  ?  Yet  in 
such  a  situation  Rhododendrons  will  thrive  ;  change 
it  to  a  gorgeous  mass  of  bloom  in  June,  and  give  a 
glorious  show  of  rich  evergreen  foliage  all  the  rest  of 
the  year.  Who  will  say  the  result  is  not  worth  the 
necessary  labor  of  preparation?  And  if  we  wish 
flowers  after  the  Rhododendrons,  plant  a  few  moun- 
tain-laurel (Kalmia  latifolia)  for  succession,  and 
here  and  there  dot  in  bulbs  of  our  noble  American 
lilies  (^Lilium  siiperbum  and  canadense} ,  ^it\\  a  few 
clumps  of  the  purple  martagon,  all  of  which  bloom 
magnificently ;  and  around  the  edges  of  the  clumps 
cultivate  a  host  of  the  more  dwarf-growing  species 
of  our  native  plants  which  love  a  peat  soil,  such  as 
cypripediums,  trilliums,  and  others,  even  to  the 
Christmas  rose  {Helleborus  niger~),  to  bloom  often 
to  the  dawn  of  New  Year's  morning. 

We  do  not  appreciate  the  wealth  of  our  American 
flora,  and  have  shut  our  eyes  to  the  riclmess  which 
lies  around  us.  In  England,  a  crowning  glory  of 
horticultural  exhibitions  is  the  show  of  "  American 
plants;"  and  we  in  America  do  not  know  what  they 


PREPARATION   OP  THE   SOIL.  « 

The  situation  of  the  bed  chosen,  the  first  labor  is 
excavation.  If  the  surface  is  level,  the  soil  should 
be  removed  to  a  depth  of  four  feet,  at  least ;  if  the 
soil  is  a  dry  gravel,  another  foot  may  be  taken  out 
advantageously. 

Be  the  shape  of  the  bed  what  it  may,  the  soil 
should  be  picked  out  underneath  the  sides,  as  much 
as  can  be  done  without  letting  down  the  surface,  in 
order  that  the  soil  around  the  sides  may.  not  be 
drained  by  the  surrounding  gravel.  If  the  soil  is  a 
strong  loam,  and  the  subsoil  clay,  of  such  a  nature 
that  the  water  will  not  run  off,  loose  stones  to  the 
depth  of  a  few  inches  should  be  laid  in  the  bottom 
of  the  bed,  and  a  blind  drain  be  laid  to  carry  off 
surplus  water :  this,  however,  will  rarely  be  neces- 
sary. The  primary  rule  in  Rhododendron  culture  is 
to  keep  the  bed  alivays  moist,  never  very  wet,  never 
very  dry  ;  for  either  extreme  is  injurious. 

The  bed  excavated,  fill  in  old  litter,  pine  needles, 
leaves,  or  stubble,  to  the  depth  of  two  feet ;  spread 
this,  letting  it  lay  loosely ;  the  soil,  in  filling,  will 
press  it  down  to  a  thickness  of  about  six  inches. 
This  will  keep  the  bed  from  draining  too  rapidly, 
and  will  in  decaying  fornish  rich  food  for  the  roots, 
when  in  the  course  of  years  they  reach  it. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  Rhododendron 
is  not  a  deei)-rooting  plant,  —  the  upper  soil,  if  kept 
moist,  will  supply  every  need  of  the  roots ;  but  it  is 
to  insure  this  moisture  that  so  deep  a  bed  is  recom- 
mended. 

In  our  own  experience  it  has  been  necessary,  for 
all   our   Ijeds   are    dug   out  of  loose   gravel    hills. 


8  THE    RHODODENDRON. 

Where  the  soil  is  of  a  different  nature  such  excava- 
tion may  not  be  necessary,  and  in  this  each  must  be 
his  own  judge. 

There  is  some  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  best 
compost  for  the  beds.  The  component  parts  are 
peat,  loam,  and  sand:  the  proportions,  however, 
need  not  be  exact. 

•  Probably  no  two  of  our  beds  have  been  prepared 
in  exactly  the  same  way,  and  yet  in  all  the  plants 
have  done  perfectly  well.  As  a  general  rule,  we 
have  found  a  compost  of  five  loads  peat,  five  loads 
loam,  one  load  sharp  sand,  to  be  the  best. 

Where  peat  is  not  easily  obtained,  it  will  be  suf- 
ficient to  fill  only  the  upper  two  feet  of  the  bed  with 
the  compost,  the  rest  of  the  bed  being  good  loam. 

By  peat  we  mean  the  dark,  black  soil,  composed 
of  decayed  vegetable  matter,  often  fibrous,  but  never 
hard.  It  should  be  dug  out  in  summer,  and  spread 
in  thin  piles  for  exposure  to  the  action  of  the  winter's 
frost.  In  spring  it  will  be  of  a  loose  and  crumbling 
texture,  and  ready  for  use.  It  should  not  be  used 
fresh,  as  it  is  then  hard  and  sour  :  the  more  the  frost 
works  upon  it  the  better  it  is. 

If  it  is  difficult  to  find  peat,  meadow  mud,  leaf 
mould  from  old  woods,  or  any  well-rotted  vegetable 
compost,  may  be  substituted. 

Our  first  Rhododendron'  bed  was  made  wholly  of 
soil  obtained  from  an  old  wood,  where  the  mountain^ 
laurel  {Kalniia)  grew  naturally,  by  scooping  it  out 
from  among  the  roots  of  the  trees,  and  carting  it 
four  miles. 

The  loam  should  be  good  garden  soil,  free  from 


PREPARATION   OF   THE   SOIL.  9 

stones.  Old  sods  arc  a  good  filling  for  the  lower 
part  of  a  bed :  care  should  be  taken,  however,  not  to 
use  any  containing  couch  grass,  as  the  roots  of  this 
grass  find  the  surface  from  a  great  depth,  and  are 
eradicated  with  great  difficulty. 

Any  good  clean  sand,  if  free  from  stones  and  salt, 
is  suitable  :  common  building  sand  will  answer  every 
purpose. 

Our  mode  of  filling  a  bed  is  as  follows :  Three 
heaps  of  peat,  loam,  and  sand,  respectively,  are  made 
near  the  bed ;  two  men,  wath  long-handled  shovels, 
fill  from  them,  one  throwing  from  the  pile  of  peat, 
the  other  from  the  pile  of  loam,  and  in  every  eight 
or  ten  shovelfuls  sprinkling  in  one  of  sand.  The 
compost  is  throwai  up  against  one  side  of  the  bed. 
which  is  raised  to  its  full  height,  and  the  bed  is  thus 
gradually  filled.  Thus  we  have  often  planted  ono 
end  of  a  bed  before  the  other  was  filled. 

This  mode  insures  a  thorough  mixing  of  the  com 
ponent  parts,  and  in  beds  thus  made  we  have  founcl 
the  plants  succeed  much  better  than  wdiere  the  com 
post  was  mixed  previously  to  filling. 

Two  of  our  largest  beds  are  on  a  very  steep  hill 
facing  the  north-west,  and  their  construction  differs 
somewhat  from  the  mode  we  have  given. 

The  bed  was  first  marked  out  on  the  surface  as  a 
large  oval  about  midway  down  the  hill,  the  object 
being  to  look  down  upon  the  plants  when  in  bloom, 
which  is  always  desirable  if  possible.  The  excava- 
tion w^as  begun  by  digging  out  the  soil  to  the  depth 
of  four  feet  along  the  upper  side  of  the  bed,  and 
piling  it  along  the  lower  side.  This  course  was  pur- 
1* 


10  THE   RHODODENDRON. 

sued,  always  pushing  the  soil  out  from  the  upper  to 
the  lower  side,  until  an  oval  plateau  was  formed, 
just  the  size  of  the  proposed  bed,  but  everywhere 
four  feet  below  the  level  of  the  upper  line  where  the 
excavation  was  begun. 

The  whole  bed  was  then  filled  in  with  soil  pre- 
pared as  we  have  described,  four  feet  deep,  so  that 
a  large  level  bed  extended  oiit  at  an  angle  to  the 
hill-side.  The  heavy  banks  at  the  sides  and  lower 
part  were  then  sodded,  and  the  bed  was  ready  for 
planting. 

This  is  a  most  satisfactoi'y  mode  of  making  a 
bed,  and  we  should  recommend  it  to  every  one  who 
has  a  northern  hill-side.  It  utilizes  and  beautifies  a 
place  where  little  else  will  grow,  and  the  plants  are 
more  effective  both  in  foliage  and  flower  from  their 
position.  We  should  not  advise  such  a  treatment 
of  a  southerly  slope,  as  the  plants  would  probably 
suffer  from  the  sun  both  in  summer  and  winter. 

PLANTING. 

The  bed  being  prepared,  a  few  days  should  be 
allowed  for  the  soil  to  settle  to  the  level  of  the  sur- 
rounding ground  ;  then  planting  should  begin.  The 
time  should  be  about  the  first  of  May  in  the  latitude 
of  Boston,  but  we  have  often  varied  it  a  fortnight 
earlier  or  later.  If  the  plants  have  been  imported, 
they  will  have  come  close  packed  in  the  cases,  every 
interstice  being  filled  with  moss.  In  unpacking,  the 
branches  should  all  be  carefully  straightened  out, 
and  the  plants,  which  always  come  with  good  balls 


PLANTING.  11 

01  earth,  placed  in  a  covered,  open  shed,  not  exposed 
to  the  sun. 

As  soon  as  unpacked,  they  should  be  well  watered 
overliead  with  a  coarse-rosed  Avater-pot,  which  will 
clean  and  freshen  the  foliage  and  moisten  the  balls. 
In  this  position  they  may  be  left  for  weeks  without 
injury,  moss  being  placed  over  the  balls  to  prevent 
undue  evaporation,  and  occasional  waterings  being 
given.  It  is,  however,  better  to  plant  them  within 
a  few  days  after  unpacking,  if  the  weather  is  settled 
and  favorable. 

Plants  obtained  from  nurseries  in  this  country 
may  be  planted  as  soon  as  received. 

There  is  nothing  more  simple  than  planting  Rho- 
dodendrons. The  plants  have  fine  thread-like  roots, 
which  seize  hold  of  and  retain  the  soil ;  thus,  unless 
very  carelessly  packed,  they  always  come  with  good 
balls,  and  our  only  care  is  to  place  these  balls  in 
congenial  soil. 

A  hole  proportioned  to  the  size  of  the  ball  should 
be  dug  in  the  prepared  bed,  the  plant  set  as  deep  as  it 
was  Ijefore  (or  if  a  little  deeper  it  will  do  no  harm), 
the  earth  filled  in  and  firmly  pressed  around  the  ball. 

AVaterings  should  not  be  given  after  planting :  the 
balls  having  been  well  moistened  after  unpacking, 
the  soil  of  the  bed  will  be  wet  enough  to  keep  the 
plants  in  good  condition.  Newly  imported  plants 
should  be  set  rather  close,  so  that  the  leaves  almost 
touch,  that  during  the  first  summer  and  winter  they 
may  protect  each  other. 

All  planting,  however,  must  be  done  with  an  eye 
to  the  ultimate  appearance  of  the  bed.     Thus,  a  bed 


12  THE    RHODODENDEON. 

large  enough  for  ten  Rhododendrons  of  moderate 
size  may  the  first  season  contain  a  hundred.  The 
next  spring,  however,  every  other  one  should  be 
removed,  and  so  on  year  after  year. 

In  the  first  planting,  care  must  be  taken  to  so 
arrange  the  plants  which  are  to  remain' permanently, 
that  future  transplanting  may  be  avoided.  This  is 
easily  done  by  first  setting  them  out  in  position,  and 
then  filling  in  the  others. 

After  planting,  the  surface  of  the  bed  should  be 
raked  smooth,  and  prepared  for 

MULCHING. 

We  have  said  the  Rhododendron  is  a  surface-root- 
ing plant,  and  therefore  one  great  aim  in  cultivation 
should  be  to  keep  tlie  surface-soil  moist.  In  old 
beds,  where  the  plants  are  masses  of  foliage,  no  ray 
of  sun  will  ever  reach  the  ground,  and  the  soil  sel- 
dom becomes  dry. 

In  new  plantations  we  must  prevent  undue  evai> 
oration  by  mulching.  The  best  mulch  is  spent  tan, 
which  may  be  obtained  at  any  tannery  for  a  few 
dollars  a  cord.  It  is  cool  and  moist,  the  best  pre- 
ventive of  evaporation,  furnishes  nutriment  to  the 
roots  as  it  decays,  and  accords  in  color  so  well  with 
the  dark  foliage  of  the  plants  as  to  produce  a  charm- 
ing effect. 

The  tan  should  be  spread  evenly  over  the  surface 
of  the  bed  from  one  to  three  inches  deep,  according 
to  the  exposure  of  the  bed  to  the  sun.  It  should  be 
applied  by  the  middle  of  May,  before  the  surface  has 


MANURING.  13 

had  time  to  dry,  and  will  not  require  renewal  oftener 
than  once  in  three  years. 

This  mulching  of  tan  seems  particularly  adapted 
10  the  plant :  it  is  not  infrequent  for  branches  which 
chance  to  be  bent  down  and  covered  with  the  tan 
to  strike  root;  and  we  have  many  i)lants  from  such 
accidental  layers. 

Where  tan  cannot  be  procured,  pine  needles  are 
the  best  mulch.  .  These  should  be  spread  about  two 
inches  deep,  and  will  last  undecayed  for  years. 

Oak  leaves,  or  leaves  of  other  deciduous  trees,  may 
be  used  where  nothing  better  can  be  obtained  ;  but 
they  are  objectionable,  because  they  blow  away,  and 
give  the  bed  and  its  surroundings  a  slovenly,  ill-kept 
appearance. 

Sawdust  is  too  fine  and  close,  preventing  the  access 
of  air  to  the  roots,  which  (as  far  as  we  can  judge 
from  our  own  experience),  is  of  vital  importance  to 
Rhododendrons. 

The  coarse  chippings  from  a  boring  machine 
would  probably  serve  a  good  purpose  if  nothing 
better  can  be  obtained.  Meadow  hay  and  litter  are 
objectionable,  as  containing  seeds  of  weeds  and 
grasses,  and  forming  a  fermenting,  decaying  mass, 
injurio  is  to  the  roots  of  the  plj^nts. 

MANURING. 

If  the  bed  has  been  carefully  prepared  as  we  have 
directed,  it  will  need  no  manuring. 

Every  thing  of  a  stimulating,  heating  nature  is 
injurious. 


14  THE    RHODODENDROm 

It  is  the  best  policy  to  do  the  work  well  at  first, 
and  then  no  further  enriching  of  the  soil  will  be 
needed.  The  roots  of  all  "American  Plants"  feed 
on  thoroughly  decomposed  vegetable  matter.  This 
we  supply  in  abundance  in  the  peat,  of  which  the. 
bed  is  composed,  and  as  long  as  this  nutriment  lasts 
no  more  need  be  provided.  It  is,  of  course,  within 
the  range  of  possibility  that  in  time,  in  old  beds, 
this  supply  may  be  exhausted,  and  then  a  top  dress- 
ing of  peat,  leaf  mould,  or  even  well-rotted  stable 
manure,  may  be  beneficially  applied.  Special  ma- 
nures, certainly  any  containing  lime,  would  probably 
prove  injurious. 

.Our  own  beds,  some  of  which  are  ten  years  old, 
and  contain  plants  twice  that  age,  have  never  had  a 
shovelful  of  manure  of  any  kind,  except  what  may 
have  been  derived  from  decaying  tan,  and  are  in 
vigorous  health,  growing  stronger  every  year. 

Where  Rhododendrons  are  suffering  for  want  of 
proper  nutriment,  tlie  ground  may  be  enriched ;  but 
all  manure  should  be  well  rotted  and  thoroughly 
decomposed  before  application. 

With  liquid  manures  we  have  had  no  experience : 
we  should,  however,  judge  them  to  be  of  too  stimu- 
lating a  nature,  and  likely  to  prove  injurious. 

A  mixture  of  charcoal  with  the  soil  is  said  to 
give  intensity  to  the  colors  of  the  flowers.  We  see 
no  reason  to  doubt  the  statement ;  but  in  view  of  the 
brilliancy  of  color  in  some  of  the  varieties  of  recent 
origin,  we  see  no  need  of  such  extraneous  assist- 
ance. 


PRUNING.  15 


May  be  i)erformcd  freely  wlicn  necessary.  It  was 
once  thouglit  that  Rhoilodciidrons  could  not  bear 
])runing  ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  they  bear  it  remark- 
ably well.  We  have  had  large  plants,  which  were 
accidentally  broken  or  cut  down  by  the  frost,  pro- 
duce young  shoots  as  freely  as  rose-bushes,  from 
wood  an  inch  in  diameter.  As  a  fact,  Rhododen- 
drons need  very  little  pruning  :  in  growth  they  are 
symmetrical,  and  when  left  to  themselves  make  such 
beautiful  plants,  that  any  attempts  to  prune  them  into 
formal  shapes  would  prove  wholly  at  variance  with 
good  taste. 

Some  tall-growing  varieties,  such  as  it.  Cataw- 
biense  album  elegans,  need  to  be  cut  in  when  they 
grow  too  high.  This  may  be  freely  done  in  early 
spring,  or  immediately  after  flowering. 

We  prefer,  however,  to  rub  out  the  terminal  buds 
of  shoots  that  would  grow  too  high,  just  before  the 
buds  begin  to  swell  in  the  spring. 

When  in  bloom,  Rhododendrons  may  be  freely 
cut ;  the  only  care  to  be  observed  being  to  cut  in 
such  a  way  as  not  to  injure  the  symmetry  of  the 
plant,  or  to  leave  bare  places  where  there  is  no  grow- 
ing bud  coming  on  to  fill  up  the  gap. 

Standard  plants  occasionally  need  pruning ;  but, 
by  a  little  care  in  rubbing  out  buds,  the  knife  will 
seldom  be  needed  for  Rhododendrons. 


10  THE  RHODODENDRON. 


TRANSPLANTING. 

This  is  an  easy  process,  and  with  a  little  care  may 
always  be  successfully  performed.  We  have  said 
that  the  fine  rootlets  of  the  Rhododendron  hold  a- 
mass  of  soil,  so  that  the  plants  always  "  lift  with  a 
ball." 

The  only  care  is  not  to  break  the  ball  or  to  allow 
the  rootlets  to  become  dry.  With  these  precautions 
Rhododendrons  may  be  transplanted  to  any  distance, 
and  left  out  of  the  ground  for  a  long  time  without 
danger  of  loss. 

The  season  for  transplanting  is  any  time  when  the 
plant  is  not  in  growth.  The  Rhododendron  makes 
its  annual  growth  and  ripens  its  wood  in  a  few  weeks 
iii  summer. 

In  most  species,  the  growth  is  contemporaneous 
with,  or  closely  succeeds,  the  flowering  period ;  that 
is,  with  hardy  kinds,  from  the  middle  of  May  to  the 
middle  of  July,  according  to  the  species. 

In  a  comparatively  short  time  the  growth  is  made, 
and  the  remainder  of  the  summer  the  plants  are 
forming  the  flowers  or  leaf-buds,  and  ripening  the 
wood  for  the  next  year.  By  the  middle  of  July  we 
can  usually  tell  how  well  the  plants  are  to  bloom  the 
following  June. 

Some  varieties  often  make  a  second  growth ;  and, 
indeed,  where  the  autumn  is  warm  and  moist,  this 
is  not  an  unfrequent  occurrence.  As  this  second 
growth  seldom  ripens  well,  and  is  usually  killed  by 
the  winter,  it  should  be  prevented  as  much  as  pos- 


TRANSPLANTING.  17 

sible.  Plants  in  which  this  tendency  exhibits  itself 
should  be  planted  in  dryer  soil,  and  kept  quite  dry 
during  the  months  of  August  and  September. 

The  only  variety  which  we  have  known  to  ripen 
the  second  growth  successfully  is  "Cunningham's 
Pwarf  White  "  in  its  different  kinds,  the  hardiest  of 
the  '^ poiiticum^^  varieties,  and  which  not  unfrequcntly 
gives  a^  pretty  autumn  bloom. 

The  best  season  for  transplanting  Rhododendrons 
is  undoubtedly  spring,  say  from  the  middle  of  April 
to  the  middle  of  May ;  but  some  cultivators  move 
the  plants  in  August,  and  there  is  no  objection  to 
autumn  or  winter  transplanting,  provided  care  is 
taken  that  the  plants  do  not  sutfer  by  being  thrown 
out  of  the  ground  by  the  frost. 

A  few  years  since,  at  one  of  .the  spring  exhibitions 
of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society,  there 
being  a  scarcity  of  pot-plants,  we  removed  from  the 
beds  a  number  of  large  Rhododendrons  in  full  bloom, 
some  bearing  hundreds  of  flowers,  put  them  in  large 
boxes,  carted  them  into  the  exhibition,  where  they 
remained  two  days,  and  bringing  them  back  placed 
them  again  in  the  positions  whence  they  were  taken, 
without  the  plants  receiving  the  slightest  check  or 
injury.  In  England  it  is  customary  to  bring  hun- 
dreds of  plants  from  great  distances,  just  as  they  are 
coming  into  bloom,  to  form  the  celebrated  exhibitions 
of  American  Plants  yearly  held  in  the  cities,  and  to 
take  them  back  again,  the  plants  not  feeling  tire 
removals. 

Every  autumn  we  take  up  hundreds  of  plants  of 
the  more  tender  kinds,  some  of  immense  size,  set 


18  THE  RHODODENDRON. 

them  ill  boxes,  and  keep  them  in  cellars  until  spring, 
when  they  are  replanted  in  the  open  air.  The  plant? 
are  not  unfavorably  affected,  and  bloom  finely  year 
after  year. 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  the  Rhododendron, 
usually  reputed  a  plant  of  difficult  management,  is 
capal)le  of  enduring  quite  as  much  hard  usage  in 
removal  as  any  plant  of  our  acquaintance;  a'\id  this 
should  serve  as  an  additional  incentive  to  its  in- 
creased cultivation. 

By  a  little  attention  to  a  reserve  Rhododendron 
bed  where  a  number  of  duplicates  may  be  grown, 
we  may  yearly  insure  a  display  of  bloom  near  the 
house,  and  produce  gorgeous  effects  at  will  from 
masses  of  flowers. 


TREATMENT   AFTER   FLOWERING. 

As  soon  as  the  flowers  have  faded,  the  seed-cap- 
sules should  be  removed.  This  is  a  work  of  much 
labor,  especially  where  the  plants  are  large  and  tall. 
It  must  be  done  carefully,  that  the  tender  shoots, 
which  are  then  just  starting  into  growth  at  the  base 
of  the  flower-truss,  may  not  be  broken  or  injured. 
The  best  way  is  to  grasp  the  branch  with  the  left 
hand  close  to  the  upper  tuft  of  foliage,  and  with  the 
thumb  and  finger  of  the  right  hand  bend  the  truss 
of  seed-pods  to  one  side :  it  will  usually  break  off 
clean,  without  injury  to  the  young  shoot. 

The  young  wood  coming  from  the  base  of  a  bloom- 
truss  will  not  usually,  except  on  very  strong  plants, 
set  bloom  the  first  year ;  but  if  the  seed  is  removed. 


TREATMENT   AFTER   FLOWERING.  10 

it  may  bo  depended  on  for  strong  bloom  the  follow- 
ing year.  Thus  \vc  can  easily  regulate  the  bloom 
on  any  plant  or  portion  of  a  jJant,  by  removing 
bloom-buds  one  year  to  obtain  a  profusion  of  bloom 
the  next. 

Large  and  old  plants,  however,  will  always  set  as 
much  bloom  as  they  ought  to  carry ;  and  the  difficulty 
with  Rhododendrons  is  rather  overblooming  than 
the  contrary. 

Some  cultivators  assert  that  the  removal  of  the 
seed-vessels  is  not  necessary.  Yet  they  do  not  deny 
that  ripening  the  seed  weakens  the  plant  for  flower- 
ing ;  and  the  best  reason  given  for  neglecting  it  is 
that  it  takes  too  much  time.  We  have  tried  both 
ways ;  and  the  superior  beauty,  vigor,  and  health  of 
the  plants  from  which  the  seeds  were  removed,  has 
taught  us  always  to  do  it  at  any  expense  of  time 
and  troul)le. 

Another  objection  to  leaving  the  seed-vessels  is 
that,  when  they  have  opened  and  scattered  the  seed, 
they  become  very  hard  and  persistent,  and  are  veiy 
unsightly,  disfiguring  the  plant. 

If  the  weather  is  very  dry  after  the  flowers  have 
faded,  the  Rhododendrons  should  be  plentifully 
watered.  At  this  season  they  are  in  full  growth, 
and  need  a  great  amount  of  moisture.  This,  how- 
ever, should  not  be  given  after  the  young  growth 
begins  to  harden  ;  for  then  the  object  is  to  fully  ripen 
the  wood  and  mature  the  flower  and  foliage  buds  for 
winter.  If  the  bed  has  been  properly  prepared,  there 
will  seldom  be  any  need  of  watering ;  and  mulching 
is  always  the  best  way  of  retaining  moisture. 


20  THE  RHODODENDRON. 

No  weeds  should  be  allowed  to  grow  over  the  sur- 
face of  the  bed  ;  but  no  spading  or  hoeing  should  ever 
be  permitted.  The  annual  spading  of  shrubberies  is  a 
relic  of  barbarism,  which  should  long  ago  have  been 
discontinued  in  a  civilized  ase. 


The  Rhododendron  has  no  diseases,  at  least  this 
is  in  our  experience ;  and  of  itself  this  fact  should 
lead  to  its  general  cultivation. 

INSECT   ENEMIES. 

These  are  very  few,  and  seldom  do  any  great 
injury. 

We  have  occasionally  noticed  a  branch  in  a  dying 
condition,  and  upon  investigation  have  found  the 
pith  eaten  out  by  some  species  of  borer ;  but  have 
never  been  able  to  capture  the  insect  in  any  state. 

A  species  of  saw  fly  sometimes  cuts  holes  in  the 
young  foliage,  but  never  to  any  great  extent. 

A  year  ago,  noticing  a  young  Rhododendron  in 
bad  health,  and  finding  no  apparent  cause  in  the  plant, 
we  were  led  to  examine  the  roots,  upon  which  we 
found  myriads  of  the  white  root  aphis..  This,  how- 
ever, is  an  exceptional  case. 

Our  experience  gives  us  the  above  facts,  from 
which  we  deduce  that  insect  enemies,  as  they  exist 
at  present,  need  deter  none  from  cultivating  Rhodo- 
dendrons. 


WINTER  PROTECTION.  21 


WINTKR  PROTECTION. 


Rhododendrons  vary  much  in  hardiness.  The 
greater  part  of  the  varieties  found  in  English  and 
continental  catalogues  are  tender  in  the  latitude  of 
JJoston. 

Yet  there  are  some  magnificent  varieties  that 
are  as  hardy  as  a  white  pine,  and  which  will  endure 
uninjured  our  severest  winters.  But  even  these 
should  be  protected  when  first  planted. 

The  first  Rhododendron  bed  we  ever  made  is  on 
the  north-western  slope  of  a  steep  hill,  exposed  to 
the  full  force  of  the  winter  storms.  It  was  planted 
ten  years  ago,  with  seven  varieties  of  Catawbiense 
hybrids.  For  two  years  it  was  well  protected  in 
winter ;  but  ever  since  it  has  stood  without  the 
slightest  protection,  entirely  uninjured,  although  the 
mercury  has  at  times  fallen  to  fifteen  degrees  below 
zero.  The  plants  are  now  ten  feet  high,  immense 
masses  of  glorious  foliage ;  and  every  June  display 
thousands  of  gorgeous  flowers. 

Some  of  the  more  tender  varieties  endure  the  win- 
ter perfectly  well  if  protected  from  the  wind,  and  we 
may  safely  state  that — of  say  seventy-five — of  the 
hardiest  of  the  Catawbiense  kinds,  the  greater  part 
will  endure  severe  cold  below  zero,  if  they  can  be 
sheltered  from  the  direct  influence  of  the  Avind. 

Even  the  hardiest  kinds  are  sometimes  injured  in 
their  foliage  by  the  wind ;  and  for  this  reason  only 
we  protect  standards  during  the  winter,  as  we  sh'all 
fully  describe  in  another  chapter. 


22  THE   RHODODENDRON. 

Evergreen  boughs  are  the  best  winter  protection 
for  Rhododendrons.  We  use  the  common  red  cedar, 
it  being  of  very  dense  growth,  and  plentiful  in  the 
neighborhood ;  but  any  evergreen  will  answer  a  good 
purpose. 

The  boughs  of  small  trees  are  cut  somewhat  longer 
than  the  plants  to  be  protected,  and  are  stuck  into 
the  ground  around  the  plant,  in  a  slightly  slanting 
position.  When  the  ground  freezes  they  become 
firmly  fixed  in  position,  and  any  weight  of  snow 
causes  them  to  bend  over  and  protect  the  plant. 
Thus  it  will,  be  seen  that  this  mode  of  protection  is 
also  useful  in  preventing  the  branches  of  young  plants 
from  being  broken  by  the  weight  of  the  snow. 

Another  and  an  important  object  in  protection  is 
to  keep  the  plants  from  the  winter's  sun. 

Many  reputed  tender  varieties  are  perfectly  hardy 
if  they  can  be  kept  in  a  frozen  state  all  winter. 

We  can  readily  see  that  in  our  changeable  climate, 
where  the  thermometer,  at  zero  at  sunrise,  may  by 
noon  be  fifty  above  zero  in  the  sun,  the  evergreen 
leaves  of  plants  are  alternately  frozen  and  thawed ; 
and  no  doubt  can  be  entertained  that  it  is  injurious 
to  the  foliage  of  the  plants. 

For  this  reason,  Rhododendrons  thrive  better  on 
a  northern  than  on  a  southern  exposure  ;  and  varie- 
ties, which  on  a  bleak  northern  hill  we  never  protect, 
on  a  lawn  sloping  to  the  south  are  carefully  covered 
each  winter. 

While  one  great  object  of  protection  is  to  shelter 
the  plant  from  wind  and  sun,  any  covering  which 
deprives  the  plant  of  a  free  circulation  of  light  and 
air  is  injurious. 


IMPORTI?.G    AND    PROCURING   PLANTS.  23 

Trussing  up  Avith  straw,  to  us  any  thing  but  an 
attractive  mode  of  winter  protection,  or  covering 
with  close  boxes,  are  to  be  avoided. 

Any  protection,  however,  wliich  will  break  the 
force  of  the  wind,  and  partially  shield  from  the  rays 
of  the  sun,  may  be  advantageously  employed. 

The  time  for  covering  Rhododendrons  is  just 
before  the  ground  freezes  up  in  the  autumn,  and  the 
protection  should  be  removed  as  soon  as  the  frost 
leaves  the  ground  in  the  spring.  We  generally 
cover  the  beds  the  last  week  in  November,  and 
remove  the  covering  the  first  week  in  April. 

In  considering  this  question  of  winter  protection, 
it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  our  experience  has 
been  in  the  latitude  of  Boston,  and  near  the  sea 
coast. 

Further  south  and  in  the  interior,  winter  protec- 
tion may  be  entirely  dispensed  with :  in  this  matter 
experience  is  the  best  teacher. 

Every  year  we  are  g'iving  less  protection  as  plants 
become  acclimated  and  established ;  and  ultimately 
may  be  able  to  dispense  with  it  altogether  for  most 
varieties. 

IMPORTING   AND    PROCURING  PLANTS. 

Although  the  Rhododendron  is  so  well  adapted  for 
general  planting,  a  large  collection  would  be  difficult 
to  obtain  in  this  country.  The  largest  sale  stock,  to 
our  knowledge,  is  that  of  Messrs.  Parsons  &  Co.,  of 
Flushing,  Long  Island,  who  are  now  devoting  a  large 
portion  of  their  extensive  grounds  to  the  raising  of 
Rhododendrons. 


24  THE    KHUDODENDRON. 

In  this  collection  are  many  fine  specimen  plants ; 
and  a  good  stock  of  young  plants  of  such  varieties  as 
their  experience  has  proved  hardy  and  desirable,  and 
of  which  we  speak  more  fully  in  another  chapter,  are 
already  for  sale  at  reasonable  prices.  The  plants  in 
this  nursery  are  grown  in  a  deep,  moist,  rich  loam, 
and  such  as  have  been  supplied  us  have  invariably 
done  well.  Messrs.  Hovey  &  Co.,  near  Boston,  have 
many  old  and  fine  plants :  their  collection  is  grown 
in  a  natural  meadow.  They  have  also  a  fine  stock 
of  seedling  Rhododendron  maximum,  the  best  species 
for  massing  on  woody  places  and  on  rocky  hills. 

There  may  be  other  sale  collections,  but  we  have 
failed  to  find  them.  Every  nurseryman's  catalogue 
contains  Ehododendrons,  but  probably  not  one  in 
ten  could  supply  half  a  dozen  good  plants.  We  have 
repeatedly  ordered  them,  misled  by  an  advertise- 
ment ;  and  the  result  has  been  no  plants,  or,  what 
was  worse,  a  few  ill-shaped,  sickly  specimens,  only 
fit  for  the  brush-heap. 

The  greater  part  of  our  plants  have  been  imported 
from  England,  and  yearly  we  thus  add  to  our  stock. 

Probably  the  most  extensive,  as  well  as  the  oldest 
collection  of  American  Plants,  in  England,  is  the 
Knap  Hill  Nursery,  near  Woking,  Surrey,  now  of 
Mr.  Anthony  Waterer. 

Thousands  upon  thousands  of  plants,  in  hundreds 
of  varieties,  are  there  annually  grown  for  sale ;  and  the 
nursery  and  grounds  contain  some  of  the  largest  and 
finest  specimens  in  England.  About  the  first  of 
January  we  send  an  order  to  Mr.  Watcjrer;  and  the 
plants  leave  England  by  steamer  from  the  first  to 


STANDARD   RHODODENDRONS.  25 

the  middle  of  April,  arriving  in  about  a  fortnight 
after  shipping.  They  invariably  come  in  good  order, 
and  we  have  never  lost  a  plant  from  poor  packing ; 
nor  have  avc  ever  had  any  occasion  to  complain  of 
the  quality  of  the  plants.  The  cost  of  importing 
plants  can  easily  be  computed  by  reckoning  an  Eng- 
lish sliilling,  cost  price,  at  fifty  cents  currency.  This 
is  an  outside  figure,  and  includes  gold,  freight,  ex- 
change, and  the  outrageous  imposition  of  a  duty  of 
thirty  per  cent  in  gold.  By  thus  estimating,  we  can 
always  be  within  our  calculations. 

American  plants  arc  extensively  grown  in  most 
English  nurseries,  and  catalogues  before  us  contain 
large  lists  of  varieties,  and  from  any  nursery  plants 
could  be  imported.  We,  however,  give  the  prefer- 
ence to  Mr.  Waterer,  as  his  long  experience  enables 
him  to  send  only  such  plants  as  are  suited  to  our 
climate.  Those  who  are  in  doubt  what  kinds  to 
select  can  safely  leave  the  choice  to  Mr.  Waterer, 
and  will  be  sure  of  receiving  only  the  best  plants. 

STANDARD    RHODODENDRONS. 

These  are  amongst  the  most  splendid  ornaments 
of  the  garden,  as  those  who  have  seen  them  in  Eng- 
land will  admit. 

Some  of  our  plants  when  in  bloom  are  wonder- 
fully beautiful,  and  are  always  attractive  from  the 
heads  of  rich  glossy  foliage. 

Probably  the  largest  standard  in  the  country  is  on 
our  lawn :  the  trunlc  is  one  foot  one  inch  in  circum- 
ference at  the  ground ;  it  begins  to  branch  four  feet 
2 


26  THE   RHODODENDRON. 

from  the  ground,  where  it  is  eleven  inches  around ; 
it  is  eight  feet  four  inches  high,  and  the  head  is 
twenty  feet  four  inches  in  circumference ;  and  the 
whole  plant  requires  in  winter,  to  cover  it,  a  shed 
six  feet  square  by  nine  feet  high. 

It  is  of  the  variety  roseum  eleg-ans,  which  is  par- 
ticularly adapted  for  standards ;  and  in  June  is  so 
covered  with  flowers  as  almost  to  conceal  the- foliage. 

This  plant  was  imported  five  years  ago,  and  has 
since  stood  uninjured  two  of  the  hardest  winters 
upon  vegetation  which  we  have  known.  We  have 
many  other  fine  standards,  both  of  hardy  and  tender 
varieties :  the  former,  with  a  slight  protection  from 
wind  and  sun,  are  entirely  uninjured  by  the  winter ; 
the  latter  are  removed  to  the  Rhododendron  cellars, 
of  which  we  give  a  description  in  a  future  chapter, 
upon  the  approach  of  severe  weather. 

Our  advice  would  be  to  all  to  plant  a  few  standard 
Rhododendrons.  They  are  expensive ;  but  one  will 
make  more  show  than  a  dozen  smaller  plants,  and 
will  not  cost  much  more.  In  the  centre  of  a  bed,  a 
tall  standard  rising  above  the  more  dwarf  plants  is 
especially  effective. 

The  only  care  necessary  is  to  be  sure  the  plants 
are  worked  on  Cataiobiense  stock :  those  grown  on 
ponticum  stock  would  be  kiUed  or  injured  by  the 
first  winter. 

In  planting  them,  the  position  should  not  be  too 
sunny,  as  the  hot  suns  of  summer  may  injure  the 
taU  trunks.  We  have  sometimes,  when  the  weather 
was  very  hot  and  dry,  pressed  a  large  flower-pot  into 
the  ground  close  to  the  stems  of  the  standards,  and 


DWARF   RHODODENDRONS.  2( 

by  filling  it  with  water  every  morning  a  constant 
moisture  was  kept  up  from  the  slow  percolation  of 
the  water  through  the  hole  in  the  bottom.  These 
pots,  however,  are  not  ornamental,  and  are  seldom 
necessary.  Standards  occasionally  need  pruning  to 
keep  the  heads  in  shape ;  but  a  little  attention  to 
disbudding,  as  we  have  described,  will  render  this 
unnecessary. 

DWARF   RHODODENDRONS. 

These  are  among  the  most  charming  of  the  family, 
and  no  collection  is  complete  without  them.  The 
greater  part  are  perfectly  hardy  ;  and  though  in 
flower  they  are  not  so  showy,  yet  in  delicate  beauty 
they  far  surpass  the  taller-growing  varieties. 

In  this  class  we  find  the  charming  species  R.  dau- 
ricinn,  rather  a  loose  grower,  and  needing  severe 
pruning  to  make  it  symmetrical ;  but  always  beauti- 
ful in  earliest  spring,  blooming  with  the  crocus  and 
outlasting  the  hyacinth. 

Next  is  R.  Wilsonianum,  with  beautiful  glossy 
foliage,  usually  considered  tender,  but  perfectly  hardy 
with  us  ;  and  then  we  have  R.  odoratum,  the  flowers 
of  which,  as  the  name  implies,  are  delightfully  fra- 
grant. 

R.  hirsiUum,  and  its  variegated  variety,  are  neat 
little  plants,  useful  for  the  edges  of  beds,  but  are  not 
particularly  showy  either  in  foliage  or  flower. 

The  charming  Alpine  R.  lapponicum  is  most  diffi- 
cult of  cultivation,  but  is  beautiful  enough  to  repay 
any  care. 


28  THE   RHODODENDRON. 

R.  Torlonianwn  and  Govenianum,  both  hybrids, 
are  very  pretty,  but  have  with  us  proved  rather 
tender. 

R.  punctatum  can  hardly  be  considered  a  dwarf. 
It  is  a  pretty  plant,  but  rather  insignificant  in 
flower. 

R.  ferrugineum  is  also  rather  tall-growing,  and  is 
showy  in  flower.     Tliis  is  the  true  "  Alpen  Rose." 

We  shall  have  more  to  say  of  all  these  in  a  future 
chapter,  and  only  mention  them  in  this  connection 
to  call  special  attention  to  their  beauty. 


INDOOR  culturhL  /  ^  ]t!!>   ^2!) 


^    -  £7  YJJ.  ^/l^ 


CHAPTER    11. 

INDOOR     CULTURE. 

'TPHERE  are  many  of  the  finest  species  and  varie- 
-^  ties  of  Rliododendrons  which  are  too  tender 
to  survive  the  winters  of  our  climate.  Many  kinds, 
which  in  England  are  hardy,  are  tender  with  us,  and 
can  only  be  grown  with  indoor  culture.  In  this 
class  are  all  the  fine  varieties  of  Rhododendron  pon- 
ticum,  and  many  of  those  which  have  a  mixture  of 
Cataivbiense  blood ;  most  of  the  best  spotted  and 
scarlet  varieties,  and  many  of  those  with  the  best- 
defined  markings ;  all  the  glorious  species  of  the 
Himalaya  Mountains,  the  so-called  "  Sikkim  Rho- 
dodendrons ; "  and  all  the  various  forms  of  the 
tree  Rhododendron,  R.  arboreiim,  of  Nepal ;  the  yel- 
low and  buff-flowered  Javanese  species;  and  the 
delicate  and  beautiful  kinds  of  which  Rhododendron 
iasminiflorum  is  a  representative. 

Thus,  we  see  that  the  indoor  culture  of  this  plant 
affords  a  far  greater  range  than  we  can  find  in  the 
garden.  This  culture  has  as  yet,  however,  received 
but  little  attention :  Ave  find  a  few  plants  grown  in 
greenhouses,  but  usually  they  are  neglected  and  in 
bad  condition.  To  grow  Rhododendrons  well,  they 
should  have  a  house  to  themselves  ;  and  with  such 
culture  the  result  would  be  the  production  of  glorious 


,'50  THE   EHODODEXDRON. 

masses  of  flowers  during  the  early  spring  months- 
We  know  of  no  house  of  this  kind,  but  one  could 
be  readily  constructed  at  small  expense. 

It  should  be  low,  span-roofed  ;  the  sashes  arranged 
to  take  off  in  summer,  and  shutters  provided  for 
covering  the  roof  in  early  winter.  The  heating  a|> 
paratus  need  not  be  very  powerful,  for  the  most  that 
would  be  required  would  be  to  keep  out  the  frost. 
The  plants  should  be  planted  out  in  beds  of  prepared 
soil,  and,  by  taking  off  the  sashes,  allowed  to  perfect 
their  growth  and  mature  their  buds  in  the  open  air. 
When  freezing  weather  approaches,  the  sashes  should 
be  replaced ;  and  during  the  short  days  the  house 
should  be  kept  only  a  little  above  the  freezing  point. 
As  the  days  lengihen,  and  the  sun  gains  more  pow^r, 
more  heat  may  be  given,  which  will  soon  start  the 
flower-buds. 

According  to  the  heat  given,  the  plants  will 
bloom  from  March  to  May,  or  by  a  selection  of 
kinds  a  continuous  bloom  may  be  obtained.  Such 
treatment  would  suit  all  the  ponticum  and  the  more 
tender  Catawbiense  hybrids :  many  of  the  Sikkim 
varieties  would  thrive  and  bloom,  and  some  of  'the 
more  tender  species  of  other  American  plants  might 
be  added  for  variety.  The  tropical  kinds,  of  course, 
require  stove  heat ;  but  they  are  hardly  numerous 
enough  to  warrant  the  erection  of  a  special  house. 

Indoor  culture  is,  in  almost  every  respect,  iden- 
tical with  garden  culture,  only  it  requires  more  care 
in  watering,  and  air  should  be  freely  given  on  all 
occasions. 

Such  a  house  of  plants  in  bloom  would  be  a  mag- 


01 


nificent  sight,  and  at  other  seasons  it  would  require 
very  little  care. 

FORCINTx. 

Rhododendrons  are  very  easily  forced  into  bloom, 
and  add  greatly  to  the  attractions  of  the  green- 
house. 

Any  varieties  may  be  forced,  although  a  selection 
of  the  earlier  blooming  kinds  would  give  those  best 
adapted  for  the  purpose.  The  plants  for  forcing 
should  be  selected  in  November  from  those  best  set 
with  flower-buds :  they  should  be  carefully  potted 
and  removed  to  a  cool,  light  cellar,  where  they  should 
be  kept  until  the  first  of  January,  receiving  only 
sufficient  water  to  keep  the  soil  from  drying  up. 

About  the  first  of  the  year  they  should  be  gradu- 
ally introduced  into  heat,  and  given  a  position  near 
the  glass.  Water  should  be  freely  administered,  but 
never  allowed  to  stand  around  the  roots.  In  a  few 
weeks  the  buds  will  begin  to  swell,  and  the  plants 
will  rapidly  come  into  bloom. 

After  flowering,  the  growth  of  the  young  shoots 
should  be  encouraged,  keeping  the  plants  as  near  the 
glass  as  possible  to  prevent  them  from  becoming 
drawn.  After  all  danger  of  frost  has  passed,  the 
plants  may  be  replanted  in  the  bed  from  whence 
they  were  taken. 

The  same  plants  cannot  be  forced  for  two  succes- 
sive years,  as  they  usually  fail  to  set  many  flower- 
buds  the  second  year ;  but  a  hundred  plants  will 
always  supply  plenty  for  annual  forcing. 


32  THE  RHODODENDRON. 


AS  PARLOR  PLANTS. 


Many  will  be  surprised  at  our  recommending  the 
Rhododendron  as  a  parlor  plant ;  yet  we  know  of 
none  more  showy  or  of  easier  culture.  We  have 
grown  very  fine  specimens  in  a  southerly  window, 
and  had  magnificent  trusses  of  bloom  during  March 
and  April. 

The  process  is  very  simple ;  being  only  to  take  up 
the  plants  in  autumn,  pot  them,  and  keep  them  in  a 
light,  cool  cellar,  as  above  directed,  and  after  the 
turn  of  the  year  place  them  in  the  parlor-window. 
The  heat  of  furnaces  or  exhalations  from  gas-burn- 
ers, which  prove  so  fatal  to  most  parlor  plants,  do 
not  seem  to  affect  them,  and  they  soon  develop  fine 
trusses  of  bloom. 

By  a  selection  of  varieties,  fine  contrasts  of  color 
may  be  obtained ;  and,  by  taking  some  of  the  late 
flowering  kinds,  a  succession  of  flower  may  be  main- 
tained until  the  Rhododendrons  bloom  in  the  open  air. 

Parlor  forcing  is  bad  for  the  plants,  as  they  sel- 
dom make  good  wood,  the  growth  being  generally 
weak  and  long ;  but  in  a  few  years  the  plants  re- 
cover, and  are  again  ready  for  forcing. 

We  have  found  "  Cunningham's  Dwarf  White,"  in 
its  varieties,  one  of  the  best  of  the  ponticum  hybrids, 
admirably  adapted  for  parlor  culture.  We  have  also 
successfully  forced  some  of  the  most  showy  of  the 
Cataivbiense  hybrids,  such  as  Nero,  Lord  John  Rus- 
sell, and  Brayanum,  with  perfect  success ;  and  can 
recommend  parlor  forcing  to  all  lovers  of  Rhodo- 
dendrons. 


PROPAGATION.  88 


CHAPTER    III. 

PROPAGATION. 

nPHE  propagation  of  Rhododendrons  is  by  no 
-^  means  difficnlt,  although  as  yet  it  has  been 
little  attempted  in  this  country.  Old  and  approved 
varieties  are  increased  by  layers,  cuttings,  grafting, 
or  inarching ;  and  new  varieties  are  obtained  from 
seed. 

These  various  processes  differ  in  no  degree  in  the 
case  of  this  plant  from  the  ordinary  methods ;  but 
we  will  describe  them  briefly. 


By  this  means  the  best  plants  are  raised,  and  it  is 
the  usual  mode  in  England  for  propagating  in  large 
quantities  approved  varieties. 

In  its  native  swamps  the  Rhododendron  roots 
readily  wherever  the  branches  bend  to  the  ground, 
and  become  covered  with  soil  or  a  ddbris  of  moist 
leaves. 

In  our  own  garden  we  have  often  obtained  fine 
plants  from  branches  which  had  by  chance  been 
covered  by  the  earth  of  the  bed  or  by  the  tan  mulch, 
roots  being  very  freely  produced  where  the  natural 
sufficiency  of  moisture  is  afforded. 

We  have  only  to  bend  the  branch  to  the  ground,  tc 
2* 


34  THE  KHODODENDRON. 

cover  any  portion  of  the  old  wood  with  the  moist 
earth,  an  A  to  secure  the  branch  in  position :  roots  will 
soon  be  protruded,  and  the  second  year  the  branch 
may  be  severed  from  the  parent  stock,  to  become  an 
independent  plant.  The  production  of  roots  may  be 
greatly  facilitated  by  making  an  upward  cut  one 
half  through  the  branch  where  it  is  to  be  buried 
deepest  in  the  earth,  in  the  ordinary  manner  of 
layering:  the  flow  of  sap  is  in  a  measure  thus 
arrested. 

These  layers,  if  made  in  spring,  will  in  two  years 
be  very  strong,  and  ready  to  remove  ;  in  some  cases 
a  single  season  may  be  sufficient  for  them,  but 
ordinarily  two  years  are  required.  The  oidy  atten- 
tion necessary  is  to  keep  the  branches  in  place  by 
strong  pegs,  and  the  soil  moist. 

By  layering  the  branches,  tall,  ungainly  plants 
may  be  made  in  time  fine  specimens.  The  long, 
straggling  branches  should  be  bent  down  and  firmly 
pegged  at  even  distances  all  around  the  plant :  they 
will  root,  and  the  bending  of  the  branches  between 
the  old  plant  and  the  layers  will  facilitate  the  pro- 
duction of  buds  ;  or,  in  gardener's  parlance,  the  old 
wood  will  break,  and  the  bare  places  be  filled  with 
new  shoots,  and  the  plant  will  become  of  a  bushy, 
symmetrical  shape. 

CUTTINGS 

Should  be  made  of  the  half-ripened  wood  of  the 
growing  shoots.  They  should  be  inserted  in  silver 
sand,  or  peat  and  sand,  and  covered  with  a  bell-glass. 


INAIICIIING.  .  35 

No  special  attention  is  required,  except  to  shade 
them  from  the  direct  sun,  and  to  occasionally  wipe 
the  moisture  from  the  glass :  the  sand,  of  course, 
should  be  kept  moist.  The  cuttings  root  readily, 
and  may  then  be  transplanted  to  single  pots,  and  the 
next  season  placed  in  the  open  ground. 

Propagation  by  cuttings  is  seldom  resorted  to,  ex- 
cept in  the  case  of  new  varieties,  and  with  the  fine, 
tender  species  of  the  greenhouse  and  stove. 

INARCHING. 

This  process  is  the  same  ordinarily  employed  for 
the  propagation  of  camellias,  and  like  hard-wooded 
shrubs. 

Some  vigorous  stock  of  a  common  variety  is 
selected.  The  branch  should  then  be  brought  close 
to  the  stock,  and  the  parts  which  fit  best  be  care- 
fully marked ;  next,  at  the  places  of  contact,  pare 
away  the  bark  and  wood  for  an  inch  or  more  in 
leng-th  on  both  stock  and  branch ;  then,  letting  the 
bark  join  exactly,  tie  the  stock  and  branch  tight 
together,  and  cover  with  clay  or  grafting  wax. 
When  the  stock  and  graft  are  of  the  same  size,  a 
slit  is  made  upward  in  the  branch,  and  a  correspond- 
ing slit  downward  in  the  stock ;  the  parts  are  then 
tongued  together,  the  whole  joined  exactly,  tied,  and 
covered  with  wax.  or  clay  as  above. 

If  the  operation  is  performed  out  of  doors,  both 
stock  and  graft  should  be  carefully  staked  ;  but  in 
the  house  this  is  not  necessary. 

A  few  months  will  generally  be  sufficient  to  unite 


30       .      THE  RHODODENDRON. 

the  parts,  and  the  grafts  may  then  be  separated  from 
the  parent  plant. 

They  should  be  cut  off  close  to  the  graft,  and  the 
head  of  the  stock  also  removed.  Inarching  is  some- 
times called  approach  grafting,  and  is  a  very  sure 
mode  of  propagation. 

The  best  time  for  this  operation  is  from  January 
to  April,  or  in  summer:  when  performed  in  the 
house,  the   stocks   should  be   well    established  in 


SEED. 

By  this  mode  innumerable  varieties  are  raised, 
and  thus  all  of  the  fine  hybrids  now  in  cultivation 
have  been  produced. 

The  seeds,  which  like  those  of  most  of  the  Eri- 
cacege,  are  small  and  fine,  should  be  sown  soon 
after  ripening.  They  retain  their  vitality  about  a 
year ;  but  the  sooner  they  are  sown  the  more  certain 
is  their  germination. 

The  soil  should  be  very  fine  peat  and  silver  sand, 
in  shallow  boxes  or  pans :  it  should  be  made  very 
fine  and  moist,  the  seed  be  thinly  sprinkled  on  the 
surface,  and  just  enough  soil  to  cover  it  be  sifted 
over  the  pan.  The  soil  should  be  kept  at  a  uniform 
rate  of  moisture,  and  be  shaded  from  the  direct  rays 
of  the  sun  and  from  frost.  A  close,  cool  frame  is  the 
best  place.  The  time  of  germinating  varies  much 
with  the  season  of  planting,  from  a  few  weeks  to  six 
months.  The  seedlings  are  at  first  very  small,  and 
should  be  allowed  to  remain  in  the  seed-pans  until 


HYBRIDIZATION.  ii  i 

they  attain  some  size.  They  should  then  be  "  pricked 
off"  in  pans  or  boxes,  and  grown  in  frames,  witl 
plenty  of  air  in  good  weather,  until  large  enough  to 
be  planted  out. 

In  its  native  haunts  the  Rhododendron  seeds  very 
freely,  and  young  plants  are  readily  obtained. 

In  a  recent  journey  through  the  Alleghany  Moun- 
tains, we  saw  acres  of  Rhododendrons  of  the  species 
Cataivbiense  and  maximum.  On  one  mountain  side, 
where  a  stream  ran  along  the  road,  myriads  of  plants 
had  sprung  up.  They  were  of  all  sizes,  from  the 
tiniest  plant  to  large  trees ;  and  we  pulled  up  hun- 
dreds of  nice  well-rooted  plants,  which  reached  home 
in  good  condition. 

In  many  places  we  found  seedling  Rhododendrons, 
Kalmias,  and  Epigasa  rooting  in  the  same  cleft  of 
the  rock,  and  often  so  firmly  it  was  impossible  to 
dislodge  them  without  destroying  the  plants. 

HYBRIDIZATION 

Has  been  but  little  attempted  in  this  country. 
Some  few  good  seedlings  have  ■been  produced,  but 
usually  from  chance  seed. 

The  process  is  very  simple,  being  only  to  fertilize 
a  fine  flower  with  the  pollen  of  another,  having  pre- 
viously removed  the  anthers  of  the  female  parent. 

It  is  a  good  rule  to  make  the  hardier  plant  the 
female. 

After  fertilization,  protect  the  fertilized  flower  by 
a  gauze  covering  until  it  fades,  and  carefully  gather 
the  ripened  seed. 


38  THE    RHODODENDRON. 

Some  of  the  seedlings  recently  produced  in  Eng- 
land are  of  wonderful  beauty,  combining  depth  and 
breadth  of  flower,  brilliancy  of  color,  and  immense 
size  of  truss,  with  great  vigor  of  constitution  and 
beauty  of  foliage. 

Of  some  of  these  we  shall  have  occasion  to  give 
descriptions  in  future  pages. 

It  is,  however,  very  doubtful  if  any  of  them  will 
prove  thoroughly  hardy,  although  in  England  they 
are  the  most  splendid  ornaments  of  the  shrubbery. 

Our  aim  should  be  to  raise  American  seedlings 
suited  to  our  climate. 

Messrs.  Parsons  &  Co.'  have  a  few,  of  which  we 
think  well  so  far  as  we  have  tried  them.  We  also 
have  exhibited  for  the  last  three  years,  at  the  weekly 
shows  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society,  a 
well-marked  seedling,  which  has  proved  very  hardy. 
The  color  is  very  good,  and  the  plant  vigorous. 
These  good  qualities,  with  its  hardiness,  will  prob- 
ably render  it  valuable. 

The  field  is  wide  and  open  to  all ;  and  what  better 
can  our  nurserymen  and  amateurs  compete  in  than 
raising  hardy  seedling  Rhododendrons  ? 


COMPARATIVE   HARDINESS.  39 


CHAPTER    IV. 

COMPARATIVE    HARDINESS. 

'T^HE  hardiness  of  Rhododendrons  is  a  very  diffi- 
-^       cult  subject  to  treat. 

Every  cultivator  will  express  a  different  opinion  , 
and  Avhile  on  some  few  varieties  all  will  agree,  upon 
the  greater  number  no  two  Avill  form  the  same  opin- 
ion. The  reason  is  simply  that  we  are  upon  the 
northern  limit  of  hardiness  for  most  kinds,  and 
the  difference  of  a  few  degrees  in  the  range  of  the 
mercury  is  life  or  death  to  the  plant. 

Yet,  strange  as  it  may  seem,  some  varieties,  which 
we  find  marked  as  tender  in  English  catalogues,  prove 
hardy  in  the  latitude  of  Boston. 

An  instance  of  this  is  the  fine  variety,  "  President 
Van  den  Hecke,"  the  flowers  of  which  are  blush 
white,  thickly  spotted  with  chocolate,  which  has 
with  us  stood  the  last  three  winters  uninjured,  both 
in  leaf  and  bud. 

The  hardest  winters  for  Rhododendrons  are  those 
when  there  is  but  little  snow,  when  the  mercury  falls 
below  zero.  The  greater  number  of  Cataivbiense 
varieties  will  stand  uninjured  where  the  thermometer 
occasionally  falls  to  zero ;  but  a  long  continuance 
of  zero  weather  is  fatal  to  very  many  kinds.  Snow 
is  a   great  protection:    we   repeatedly   find  plants 


40  THE   EHODODENDRON. 

killed  or  badly  injured  above  the  snow-line,  but 
bright  and  in  good  condition  below. 

Heavy  falls  of  snow,  however,  sometimes  do  great 
damage  by  breaking  the  plants :  we  have  had  fine 
plants  ruined  by  a  thaw  succeeding  a  heavy  snow- 
storm, the  snow  settling  and  breaking  all  the 
branches,  leaving  only  a  tall  stem  with  a  few 
branches  at  the  top.  The  covering  of  cedar-boughs 
is  often  a  great  protection  against  breaking  by 
snow. 

Of  the  hardiness  of  species  we  can  speak  with 
greater  certainty. 

All  the  Rhododendrons  from  Eastern  and  Central 
Asia,  and  the  numerous  "  Sikkim  "  species,  are  ten- 
der. Some  of  the  Himalaya  kinds  are  precariously 
hardy  in  the  south  of  England,  and  therefore  might 
succeed  south  of  Pennsylvania ;  but  we  do  not  sup- 
pose the  experiment  has  been  tried.  A  cold  snap, 
such  as  that  which  has  recently  (December,  1870) 
visited  the  Southern  States,  would  destroy  them. 

Rhododendron  ponticum,  and  most  of  its  varieties, 
are  tender  in  New  England :  in  the  Middle  States 
they  would  probably  succeed.  "  Cumiingham's 
Dwarf  White,"  of  which  there  are  several  varieties, 
(although  a  variety  of  R.  ponticuni),  is  hardy  with 
us,  some  .fifty  plants  having  stood  the  last  three 
winters  uninjured,  both  in  foliage  and  flower-bud. 

This  variety  is  said  to  be  the  only  Ehododendron 
which  will  endure  the  winters  of  northern  Europe. 

Rhododendron  hirsutum,  i?unctatum,  and  ferrii- 
gineiim,  are  hardy.  R.  californicum  is  not  hardy 
in  New  England. 


COMPARATIVE    HARDINESS.  41 

R.  dauricwn,  and  its  variety,  atrovirens,  will 
stand  in  any  exposure.  R.  caucasicum  and  chry- 
santhemum  should  prove  hardy,  but  they  are  seldom 
found  in  cidtivation. 

B.  lapponicum  is  a  native  of  high  mountain  ranges 
and  northern  latitudes,  but  is  an  "  Alpine  "  of  diffi- 
cult cultivation.  In  its  native  habitat  it  is  probably 
protected  by  snow  during  the  winter. 

R.  maximum  is  perfectly  hardy ;  and  any  hybrids 
raised  from  it  would  probably  partake  of  this  char- 
acteristic. 

R.  Cataivhiense  is  hardy  as  far  north  as  Boston, 
though  in  severe  winters  the  foliage  has  sometimes 
been  a  little  browned. 

The  hybrids  of  Cataivhiense  vary  greatly  in  hardi- 
ness. Though  thus  popularly  called,  they  are  of 
mixed  blood,  and  are  hardy  just  so  far  as  they 
resemble  the  hardy  parent.  As  a  general  rule,  the 
bright  colors  and  the  deeply  spotted  varieties  will  be 
found  tender  ;  but  we  have  great  hopes  that  some  of 
the  newer  seedlings,  which  in  color  are  superior  to 
any  of  the  old  kinds,  may  prove  hardy  with  us. 

In  the  description  of  varieties  in  Part  II.,  we  pro- 
pose to  give  our  experience  of  the  hardiness  of  the 
several  kinds.  We  must  say,  however,  that  the 
experience  of  one  locality  is  not  necessarily  that  of 
another,  differing  but  little  in  climate.  Each  one 
must  experiment  for  himself  with  doubtful  kinds, 
and  thus  only  can  he  ascertain  the  true  rule  for  his 
guidance. 

There  are  many  Rhododendrons  that  in  branch 
and  bud  are  hardv,  but  of  which  the  foliage  is  dis- 


42  THE  EHODODENDRON. 

figured  every  winter.  The  result  is,  the  plants  look 
badly  the  greater  part  of  the  year,  and  the  flowers 
are  small  and  poor.  These  varieties  should  be  dis- 
carded. A  great  beauty  of  the  Rhododendron  is  the 
foliage;  and  as  a  variety  wliich  keeps  its  foliage 
unluirt  occupies  no  more  room,  and  requires  less  care 
than  one  which  is  thus  partially  tender,  tlie  hardy 
varieties  should  be  preferred.  Greater  attention  is 
now  being  paid  in  the  production  of  seedlings  to  size 
and  color  of  foliage,  and  some  of  the  new  kinds  are 
of  surpassing  excellence  in  this  respect. 

HOUSES   FOR  WINTER   PROTECTIGJN. 

Standard  Rhododendrons,  even  of  the  hardiest 
kinds,  are  liable  to  have  the  foliage  very  much  dis- 
figured by  the  cutting  winds  of  winter.  It  is  difficult 
to  protect  or  screen  very  large  plants  with  cedar- 
boughs  ;  therefore  we  must  protect  them  otherwise. 

We  have  found  rough  houses,  made  of  light  boards, 
to  answer  this  purpose  perfectly. 

Those  we  use  xavy  greatly  with  the  size  of  the 
plant :  some  are  so  small  one  man  can  place  them ; 
others  so  large  it  takes  half  a  dozen  men  to  put  them 
in  position. 

They  are  not  ornamental,  but  could  easily  be 
made  so,  though  this  would  increase  their  weight. 
The  matter  of  appearance  is  of  little  importance,  as 
they  are  in  use  only  from  the  middle  of  December 
to -the  first  of  April.  In  their  construction  we  must 
bear  in  mind  that  they  are  not  to  protect  against 
cold,  but  only  against  direct  w.ind  ;  so  we  must  not 


GROUPING.  43 

make  them  tight.  Those  we  use  are  made  with  a 
sloping  roof,  the  joints  battened  to  keep  rain  from 
leaking  on  to  the  plant ;  the  sides  of  light  boards, 
nailed  about  an  eighth  of  an  inch  apart,  to  allow"  a 
free  circulation  of  air.  The  northerly  side  is  in  one 
piece,  and  is  secured  by  screws :  in  the  middle  of 
this  side  is  a  square  window,  a  foot  or  more  wide, 
which  is  covered  with  a  piece  of  white  cotton-clolh. 
The  house  is  moted  on  from  the  southerly  side,  then 
the  northerly  side  is  screwed  on,  and  the  plant  is 
liouscd  for  the  winter.  With  this  protection,  Ihe 
standards  come  out  in  the  spring  with  fresh  foliage 
and  in  splendid  condition. 

When  not  in  use,  the  houses  are  stored  in  some 
remote  shed. 


Is  of  great  importance  for  effective  display.  The 
diflferent  species  and  varieties  differ  greatly  in  habit 
aild  foliage.  Some  are  only  suitable  for  the  front  of 
the  bed ;  others  look  well  only  in  the  background. 
Color  of  flower  also  enters  as  an  element  in  planting 
for  effective  display. 

While  experience  in  this  must  be,  in  a  measure, 
the  teacher,  some  hints  may  be  given  which  may 
prove  advantageous. 

Thus,  of  two  fine  white-flowered  varieties,  botli 
excellent  and  equally  hardy,  album  elegans  is  a  tall- 
grower,  and  only  suited  for  the  middle  or  rear  of  a 
bed  ;  and  coriaceinii  is  very  dwarf,  and  in  any  jiosi- 
tion  but  the  front  would  be  lost. 


44  THE   RHODODENDRON. 

Ill  Part  II.  we  shall  give  tlie  habit  of  the  variety 
where  it  is  peculiar,  in  order  to  aid  the  planter. 

Rhododendrons  are  particularly  adapted  for  speci- 
mens, and  never  look  better  than  when  so  planted. 
Large  masses  are,  however,  very  effective  in  foliage, 
and  of  wonderful  magnificence  when  in  flower.  In 
their  native  habitats  the  plants  grow  in  huge  masses, 
and  any  one  who  has  seen  a  Southern  "  Laurel 
swamp"  in  bloom  will  never  forget  its  beauty. 
Some  of  the  hills  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains  pre- 
sent masses  of  Rhododendrons,  than  which  one  can- 
not find  a  finer  sight  in  the  floral  kingdom.  We 
can,  in  cultivation,  excel  nature  in  variety,  if  not  in 
quantity.  We  have  masses  of  Rhododendrons  which, 
when  in  bloom,  are  sheets  of  color,  —  white,  pink, 
scarlet,  and  purple ;  and  no  more  beautiful  sight  can 
be  imagined. 

In  planting  masses,  regard  need  not  be  had  to 
keeping  the  plants  separate.  Give  each  room  to 
develop,  and  then  let  the  branches  mingle :  the 
effect  is  far  more  natural  and  beautiful.  Varieties 
should  also  be  arranged  as  to  color  to  present  the 
best  contrasts  when  in  bloom :  this  is  easily  done  by 
selecting  named  kinds.  Those  which  bloom  at  the 
same  season  should  be  planted  together :  there  is  a 
difference  of  many  weeks  in  the  flowering  of  species 
and  varieties. 

Thus,  Rhododendron  dauricum  blooms  with  the  cro- 
cuses ;  but  R.  hirsidum  not  until  the  middle  of  June. 
R.  grandiflorum  is  with  us  a  week  earlier  than  any 
of  the  Cataivbiense  hybrids ;  while  R.  Hannibal  is 
the  latest  of  all,  seldom  blooming  until  all  the  others 


GROUPING.  45 

have  faded.  R.  maximum  does  not  blooin  until  after 
the  first  of  July. 

Those  kinds  which  bloom  very  early  or  very  late 
should  be  planted  as  specimens,  or  in  masses  by 
themselves ;  thus  a  continuous  and  effective  bloom 
may  be  obtained. 

In  the  new  seedlings,  many  are  late  bloomers ; 
and  this  is  a  great  gain,  as  thus  the  Rhododendron 
season  is  prolonged. 

In  grouping,  some  attention  should  be  paid  to 
foliage  :  the  flower  lasts  only  a  few  weeks,  the  foliage 
the  whole  year ;  therefore  those  varieties  with  great- 
est breadth  of  foliage,  of  a  bright  or  very  dark  green, 
should  be  chosen  for  the  front  of  the  bed. 


PART     II. 

DESCRirXlON    OF    THE     RHODODENDRON 


PART     11. 
DESCRIPTION    OF    THE     RHODODENDRON. 


Rhododendron  Ponticum. 

"  I  ''HIS  species  has  been  longest  in  cultivation,  and 
-*-  there  are  in  England  many  very  large  plants. 
It  does  not  grow  very  tall,  the  largest  of  which  we 
have  any  record  being  about  fifteen  feet  high  ;  but  it 
spreads  its  branches  over  a  large  space,  and  is  not 
unfrcquently  found  thirty  feet  in  diameter.  Many 
of  the  large  plantations  in  England  are  of  this  species, 
and  it  is  extensively  planted  for  game  covers,  as  the 
buds  are  not  eaten  by  rabbits.  Seedlings  are  very 
easily  raised,  and  are  furnished  by  nurserymen  for 
about  twenty  shillings  per  hundred  for  flowering 
plants  a  foot  high.  It  grows  freely  in  any  good 
loam,  and  flowers  abundantly. 

The  flowers  are  purplish,  and,  though  in  the  mass 
very  showy,  are  wanting  in  substance.  The  foliage, 
though  good,  is  by  no  means  so  handsome  as  in 
many  other  species. 

This  species  is  a  native  of  Armenia,  the  Levant, 
Georgia,  the  Caucasus,  and  various  parts  of  Asia 
extending  to  the  Himalaya  Mountains. 


50  THE  RHODODENDRON. 

It  is  not  hardy  in  New  England,  and  probably 
would  not  succeed  well  north  of  Philadelphia ; 
although  it  would  doubtless  survive  with  a  slight 
protection,  or  even  unprotected  in  ordinary  winters, 
south  of  New  York.  Where  it  is  hardy,  its  cheap- 
ness, and  the  facility  with  which  it  adapts  itself  to 
different  soils,  render  it  a  most  desirable  plant  for 
massing  on  hill-sides  and  in  open  woods.  Figured 
in  Bot.  Mag.  18,  t.  650. 

There  are  many  hybrid  varieties  and  named  seed- 
lings, some  hardier  than  the  species  and  very  well 
worth  growing.  Of  these  we  may  especially  men- 
tion :  — 

E.    P.  FOL.  ARGENTEIS,  FOL.  AUREIS,   FOL.   MARGINATIS, 

The  kinds  with  silver  and  gold  striped  foliage 
which  are  desirable,  as  the  markings  are  distinct 
and  permanent.  -  The  plants  grow  freely,  and  are 
ornamental.  The  flowers  are  poor.  Our  plants 
are  wintered  in  a  cold  cellar,  and  planted  out  in 
summer. 

Variety  Cunningham's  Dwarf  White. 

This  is  the  hardiest  of  the  pontic  varieties,  and 
has  with  us  stood^  the  winter  perfectly  well  for  the 
last  four  years.     . 

The  foliage  is  more  glossy,  and  brighter,  than  in 
the  species  ;  and  the  flowers  vary  from  pink  to  pure 
white. 

It  is  a  rapid  grower,  though  of  dwarf  habit ;  and 
flowers  very  freely.     For  forcing  there  is  nothing 


DESCRIPTION   OF  THE   RHODODENDRON.  51 

better,  as  even  in  a  parlor  window  it  will  bloom  in  a 
few  weeks  after  being  brought  from  the  cellar. 

Plants  may  be  imported  for  about  fifty  cents  each. 

We  heartily  recommend  this  variety  for  general 
planting. 

Variety  album.  This  is  merely  a  white-flowered 
variety  of  the  species,  and  is  only  desirable  for 
planting  with  it  for  contrast. 

Variety  salicifolium  and  cheiranthifolium,  the 
willow  and  wall-flower  leaved,  are  very  pretty  for 
contrast,  the  foliage  being  narrow  and  somewhat 
curled.  The  flowers  are  small ;  pale  purple.  Our 
plants  do  well  wintered  in  the  cellar. 

Variety  azaleoides  is  a  hybrid  with  some  species 
of  azalea.  The  leaves  are  small,  and  the  flower  not 
especially  showy ;  the  plant  is  dwarf,  and  suitable 
for  the  borders  of  beds.  With  us  it  has  stood  eight 
winters,  flowering  freely ;  but  the  leaves  are  liable 
to  be  browned  by  the  winter's  sun  without  protection. 

A  sub-variety,  crispijlorum,  figured  in  Illus.  Hort. 
5,  t.  181,  has  very  showy  flowers ;  rich  pink,  with 
■wavy  petals. 

Variety  pictum  is  very  distinct,  and  worthy  a 
place  in  the  choicest  collection ;  color  white,  with 
very  dark  spots  on  upper ,  petals ;  requires  cellar 
protection  in  winter. 

Found  in  catalogues  as  Loivii. 

Variety  multimacdlatum  is  a  very  neat  variety ; 
flowers  white,  spotted  with  red ;  tender. 


52  THE  RHODODENDRON. 

Variety  nivaticum  is  a  very  fine  flower ;  white, 
spotted  with  pale  yellow;  tender. 

Variety  BiiANDUM,  a  good  pale  blush  kind  ;  tender. 

Variety  roseum  has  rosy  flowers,  not  especially 
desirable  with  so  many  better  flowers  of  the  color ; 
tender. 

Variety  aucub^folium  is  a  very  distinct  kind,  with 
spotted  leaves.  The  flowers  are  light  lilac,  and  very 
pretty.  It  has  stood  the  winter  with  us  for  three 
y^ears  uninjured. 

Variety  tortulosum  has  light  green  and  curiously 
contorted  foliage.  It  is  only  desirable  as  a  curi- 
osity. 

Variety  flore  pleno  is  desirable  if  any  one  wishes 
a  double-flowered  Ehododendron.  The  color  is  pale 
purple,  the  flower  of  good  form ;  but  it  is  wanting 
in  the  simplicity  and  beauty  of  the  single  varieties. 

It  seems  tolerably  hardy,  having  stood  the  last 
four  winters  with  us  in  a  northern  exposure,  the 
flower-buds  surviving,  and  the  foliage  only  being 
slightly  browned  one  year. 

Variety  hyacinthiflorum  is  another  double-flow- 
ered kind,  and  open  to  the  same  objection  as  the 
last-mentioned.  The  flowers  are  very  double ;  and 
the  plant  is  a  good  grower,  and  blooms  freely. 

It  has  proved  hardy  with  us. 


DESCRIPTION   OF   THE   RHODODEND.        .  53 

Variety  Vervaneanum  is  also  double-llowercd. 
We  cannot  speak  as  to  its  hardiness. 

Variety  guttatum  is  delicate  and  pretty.  The 
flowers  are  white,  distinctly  spotted.  Well  worth 
growing,  but  tender. 

There  are  other  varieties,  varying  in  color  from 
deep  purple  to  pure  white,  some  very  pretty  and 
desirable,  and  all  worth  planting  for  experiment. 

It  is  impossible  to  tell  whether  these  will  prove 
hardy,  and  the  only  course  is  for  each  cultivator  to 
try  them  for  himself.  As  the  plants  are  very  cheap, 
the  experiment  cannot  prove  expensive. 

We  have  given  descriptions  of  those  which  we 
have  grown  at  Glen  Ridge,  and  probably  any  which 
we  have  found  hardy  will  prove  so  anywhere  south 
of  the  latitude  of  Boston.  We  do  not,  however, 
advise  the  amateur  who  only  plants  a  few  Rhododen- 
drons to  choose  any  of  the  pontic  varieties.  They 
are  less  showy  than  others,  and  may  be  cut  off  at 
any  time  by  a  winter  of  mmsual  severity. 

Rhododendron  maximu3i. 

This  is  the  Rose  Bay,  or  Great  Laurel,  of  the  New 
England  States  ;  and  is  found  plentifully  from  south- 
ern New  England  southward.  The  farthest  north- 
ern limit  is  a  swamp  near  Sebago  Lake,  near 
Portland,  Me. ;  it  next  occurs  in  a  large  swamp  on 
the  banks  of  Charles  River,  in  Medfield,  Mass.,  and 
next  m  a  swamp  in  Randolph,  south  of  the  Blue 
Hill. 


04  THE   RHODODENDRON. 

Ill  Medfield  it  was  till  recently  very  abundant, 
and  flowered  so  freely  that  we  have  seen  wagon 
loads  of  flowers  gathered :  but  the  tall  trees  which 
sheltered  it  have  been  cut  down,  and  the  i^lants  in 
many  places  chopped  off  even  with  the  ground.  So 
a  few  years  hence,  it  may  be  extinct  in  that  locality. 

The  plant  is  a  tall  grower,  of  loose  habit ;  foliage 
large,  dark  green  above,  rusty  or  whitish  beneath. 
The  flowers  are  small,  white  or  pinkish,  with  yel- 
lowish-green spots  on  the  upper  petals. 

This  species  is  the  latest  blooming  Rhododendron 
we  have,  never  blooming  until  after  the  first  of 
July,  in  New  England. 

It  is  common  in  cultivation,  th^  plants  having 
been  brought  from  the  swamps  ;  and  plants  are  often 
seen  for  sale  at  the  large  markets,  in  the  spring.  It 
is,  however,  the  least  desirable  of  all  the  Rhododen- 
drons, its  only  merit  being  its  late  flowering.  For 
large  masses  on  the  banks  of  ponds  or  on  shady 
hill-sides,  it  is  to  be  recommended,  as  it  is  perfectly 
hardy.  It  will  not  bear  drought,  however,  as  well 
as  other  species,  and  does  not  do  well  in  full  sun- 
shine. The  only  losses  of  Rhododendrons  from  the 
excessive  drought  of  the  past  summer  (1870),  at 
Glen  Ridge,  have  been  large  plants  of  Rhododendron 
maximum.  Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  24,  t.  951;  in 
Michaux,  vol.  3,  pi.  4  ;  and  in  Big.  Med.  pi,  51. 

In  English  magazines  we  find  mentioned  as  varie- 
ties maximum,  album,  purpureum,  and  Wellsianum. 
The  first  is  probably  little  different  from  the  species, 
and  is  the  M.  Purshii  of  Loudon.     The  second  is 


DE^C.IIPTIOX    OF   THE   RHODODEXDROX.  55 

the  R.  purjiurcum  of  Piirsli,  "svhich  never  existed  as 
a  species,  is  not  now  recognized,  and  is  probably 
some  hybrid  of  R.  Cataivhiense.  Of  the  last  we  have 
been  able  to  obtain  no  information.  It  is  said  by  a 
writer  in  the  "  Cottage  Gardener  "  to  have  "  pink 
flowers,  fine  foliage,  and  to  be  of  good  habit ;  "  if  so, 
it  must  be  indeed  desirable. 

Rhododexdron  dauricum. 

This  charming  species  we  place  among  the  most 
desirable  of  Rhododendrons,  not  so  much  for  the 
beauty  of  the  individual  flowers  as  for  its  hardiness, 
its  early  blooming,  and  the  abundance  of  blossoms. 
It  is  a  native  of  Siberia  and  Eastern  Asia.  The 
foliage  is  deciduous ;  the  flowers  are  rosy-purple,  and 
appear  in  very  early  spring  before  the  leaves.  A 
mass  of  this  plant  is  a  charming  object  in  early 
spring;  and  no  collection,  however  small,  should  be 
without  it. 

Figured  in  And.  Rep.  1,  4;  Lodd.  Cab.  605  and 
1446.     Bot.  Mag.  17,  t.  636. 

Variety  atrovirexs  is  also  a  native  of  Siberia,  and 
differs  only  from  the  species  in  having  dark  ever- 
green leaves,  which  render  it  more  desirable,  as  when 
in  bloom  it  is  more  effective. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  44,  t.  1888  ;  and  in  Lodd. 
Cab.  t.  1584,  under  the  name  of  sempervirens. 

These  plants  naturally  grow  tall  and  spindling, 
and  are  much  benefited  by  careful  pruning. 

They  may  be  imported  for  about  fifty  cents  a 
plant. 


56  THE    RHODODENDRON. 


Rhododendron  californicum. 

This  species  is  a  native  of  California,  and  is  well 
worthy  of  cultivation  wherever  it  proves  hardy. 
The  chances  are,  it  will  not  stand  the  winters  in 
New  England.  In  England  it  is  hardy,  a  writer 
in  the  "Cottage  Gardener"  calling  it  the  "  hardiest 
Rhododendron  "  he  has  "  met  with,  standing  wind 
well." 

The  flowers  are  rosy,  very  showy ;  and  the  habit 
of  .the  plant  is  good.  Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  81, 
t.  4863. 

Rhododendron  arboreum. 

A  noble  species,  native  of  Nepal,  attaining  larger 
size  than  any  of  the  family,  the  trunks  being  found 
twenty  feet  high  and  twenty-four  inches  in  diameter. 
The  foliage  is  large,  dark  green  above,  silvery  be- 
neath ;  the  flowers  bright  scarlet,  in  dense  heads. 

This  species  varies  much  in  the  color  of  the 
flowers :  in  the  wild  state  they  are  found  of  every 
shade,  from  deep  scarlet  to  pure  white  ;  and  in  culti- 
vation numerous  varieties  have  been  raised,  ditFering 
greatly  in  color,  markings,  and  size  of  flowers,  and 
in  foliage. 

Some  of  these  are  among  the  most  valuable  Rho- 
dodendrons for  gTcenhouse  culture  and  for  forcing. 
"With  us  all  are  tender,  and  require  greenhouse 
protection.  As  they  bloom  very  early  in  the  spring, 
they  are  not  suitable  for  outdoor  culture,  even  if 
protected  by  removal  to  the  cellar  in  winter.     For 


DESCRIPTION   OF   THE   RHODODENDRON.  57 

a  tender  Rhododendron  house  they  are  perfectly 
adapted,  and  furnish  a  variety  of  brilliant  colors 
not  to  be  found  in  other  species. 

The  species  is  figured  in  Bot.  Reg.  11,  t.  890 ; 
Hook,  Ex.  Fl.  t.  168;  Pax.  Mag.  1,  p.  101,  and  2, 
p.  98  ;  Sweet's,  Fl.  G.  250. 

The  follo^ring  are  native  varieties :  — ^ 

Variety  album  has  white  flowers,  with  delicate 
purple  spots.  Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  61,  t.  3290; 
and  Bot.  Reg.  20,  t.  1684. 

Variety  roseum  has  bright  rosy  flowers.  In  its 
native  country  this  variety  is  higher  up  the  moun- 
tains than  the  scarlet  species,  and  is  hardier.  Figured 
in  Bot.  Reg.  15, 1. 1240 ;  and  in  Sweet's  Fl.  G.  t.  339. 

Variety  niyeum  is  a  charming  variety,  with  white 
flowers,  spotted  with  purple.  Figured  in  Sweet's,  Fl. 
G.  t.  148. 

Variety  cinnamomeum  has  rosy-white  flowers, 
spotted  with  brown.  The  foliage  is  rusty  on  the 
under  side.  A  very  showy  plant.  Figured  in  Bot. 
Mag.  67, t.  3825. 

The  figure  in  Bot.  Reg.  23,  t.  1982,  under  this 
name,  is  a  ditferent  plant. 

Variety  Paxtoni  is  a  fine  kind,  with  deep  crimson 
flowers  of  great  substance.  Figured  in  Pax.  Mag. 
14,  p.  99. 

This  variety  should  not  be  confounded  with  the 
Catawbiense  hybrid  of  the  same  name. 

3* 


58  THE   RHODODENDRON. 

The  following  are  hybrid  varieties :  — 

Variety  Russellianum  is  a  hybrid  between  Cataw- 
biense  and  arbor eum ;  color,  bright  crimson.  Fig- 
ured in  Sweet's,  Fl.  G.  2,  t.  91. 

Variety  Smithii  coccinea  has  scarlet  flowers, 
beautifully  spotted ;  a  hybrid  between  R.  ponticum 
and  arbor  eum.     Figured  in  Sweet's  Fl.  G.  2,  t.  50. 

Variety  alta-clarense  was  raised  from  R.  arbo- 
reum,  fertilized  with  a  seedling  between  ponticum 
and  Cataiobiense .  The  flower  is  clear,  bright,  trans- 
parent scarlet,  and  the  foliage  very  rich.  Figured 
in  Bot.  Reg.  17,  t.  1414;  and  in  Bot.  Mag.  62, 
t.  3423. 

Variety  undulatum  is  a  hybrid  with  R.  ponticum. 
The  flowers  are  deep,  shaded  purple ;  and  the  foliage 
has  a  peculiar,  wavy  form.  Figured  in  Sweet's  Fl. 
G.  t.  341. 

Variety  album  speciosum,  figured  in  Illus.  Hort. 
1,  t.  1,  has  white  flowers,  beautifully  spotted  with 
crimson. 

There  are  many  other  fine  hybrids,  and  new  ones 
are  constantly  produced.  All  are  showy  in  flower  ; 
but  many  popular  this  year  will  be  lost  a  few  years 
hence,  giving  place  to  varieties  of  newer  origin. 
Some  of  the  old  varieties  we  have  mentioned  still 
hold  their  place  as  standard  kinds,  and  are  as  yet 
unsurpassed. 


DESCRIPTION   OF   THE  RHODODENDRON.  50 

The  tendency  now  is  to  raise  hardy  Ehododen- 
drons  ;  but  the  tender  kinds  should  not  be  neglected, 
as  they  comprise  some  of  the  most  beautiful  of  the 
family. 

Many  other  hybrids,  in  which  the  blood  of  R. 
arhoreum  is  mingled,  are  mentioned  in  future  pages. 
Indeed,  it  is  to  this  species  we  owe  much  of  the 
high  coloring  fomid  in  some  of  the  most  popular 
varieties. 

Rhododendron  albiflorum. 

A  very  distinct  and  beautiful  species,  native  of 
high  regions  in  the  Rocky  Mountains.  It  is  a  low 
shrub,  bearing  the  leaves  in  tufts  at  the  ends  of  the 
branches,  and  below  them  a  few  small  drooping 
creamy-white  flowers,  which  bear  little  resemblance 
to  those  of  other  Rhododendrons.  It  first  bloomed 
in  England  in  1837,  but  probably  is  not  now  in 
cultivation.  Fig-ured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  3670,  and  in 
Hook.  Fl.  Bor.  Am.,  vol.  2,  p.  43,  t.  133. 

Rhododendron  anthopogon 

Is  a  small-flowered  species,  with  rusty  leaves  and 
yellowish-white  flowers,  not  especially  ornamental. 
It  is  not  hardy.  A  native  of  the  Himalayas.  Fig- 
ured in  Bot.  Mag.  68,  t.  3947. 

Rhododendron  campanulatum. 

This  is  a  magnificent  species,  native  of  the  moun- 
tain of  Gosainthan,  in  Nepal.     In  England  it   is 


60  THE   EHODODENDRON. 

hardy,  but  the  flowers  expand  so  early  as  to  be 
often  injured  by  the  frost ;  therefore,  with  us  it  would 
require  house  protection.  The  flowers  are  rosy- 
lavender,  witli  dark  spots ;  the  foliage  deep  green, 
rusty  underneath.  Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  Q6,  t.  3759 ; 
and  in  Sweet's,  Fl.  G.  II.  t.  241. 

The  variety  B.  c.  superbiim  (Pax.  Mag.  16,  p.  190) 
has  waxy  white  flowers,  spotted  with  crimson-purple. 

Rhododendeon  caucasicum. 

This  is  a  small  species,  in  its  native  country 
forming  a  low  shrub,  with  procumbent  branches ;  a 
native  of  the  Caucasus,  on  high  rocks,  near  the 
limits  of  perpetual  snow. 

The  flowers  are  white,  tinged  with  purple  or  rose. 

It  is  a  desirable  species,  and  should  prove  hardy 
with  slight  protection.  Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  28, 
t.  1145. 

Variety  stramineum  has  straw-colored  flowers,  and 
is  a  very  handsome  plant.     Figured  in  Bot.  Mag. 


Variety  album  is  a  hybrid  with  the  white  variety 
of  Azalea  pontica,  and  resembles  an  Azalea  more 
than  a  Rhododendron.  Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  67 
t.  3811. 

Variety  pulcherrimum  is  a  hybrid  between  arho- 
reum  and  caucasicum.  The  flowers  are  rosy,  and 
very  showy. 


DESCRIPTION    OF   THE   EHODODENDRON.  61 

Variety  Nobleanum  has  bright  scarlet  flowers, 
and  is  a  very  beautiful  kind.  There  are  also  sub- 
varieties  with  rose  and  jiink  flowers  ;  but  that  called 
Nobleanum  sitperbum  is  the  best. 

Rhododendron  chrysanthum. 

Tliis  pretty  little  s]X3cies  is  a  native  of  Siberia  and 
other  extreme  northern  countries:  it  is  also  found 
in  the  Caucasus  Mountains.  It  is  a  Ioav  shrub,  never 
exceeding  one  foot  in  height,  with  evergreen  leaves, 
and  large,  irregular,  yellow  flowers. 

While  perfectly  hardy,  it  is  difficult  to  cultivate, 
the  heat  of  summer  probably  aifecting  it  unfavorably. 
It  is  rarely  found  in  cultivation.  Figured  in  Wood. 
Med.  2, 103  ;  and  in  Steph.  Med.  2,  80. 

Rhododendron  punctatum. 

This  pretty  species,  although  a  native  of  Carolina 
and  Georgia,  generally  stands  the  winter  with  us ; 
although  the  foliage  is  usually  somewhat  disfigTired, 
and  the  flower-buds  are  killed  if  the  mercury  falls 
much  Ijelow  zero.  The  foliage  is  dark  green,  covered 
below  with  rusty  dots,  whence  the  name  ;  the  flow- 
ers are  small,  pink,  very  pretty,  but  not  especially 
showy.  The  habit  of  the  plant  is  straggling.  It  is 
worth  growing  in  a  collection,  but  is  only  interesting 
for  variety.  Seedlings  vary  much  in  shade  and 
markings  of  the  flowers. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  49,  t.  2285 ;  Bot.  Reg.  1, 
t  37  ;  and  And.  Rep.  1,  t.  36. 

Sometimes  called  R.  minus. 


62  THE   KHODODENDRON. 


Ehododendron  hirsutum. 

A  low-growing  s}30cies,  and  the  most  common  of 
the  dwarf  Rhododendrons.  The  leaves  are  small, 
evergreen,  thickly  covered  with  rusty  hairs;  the 
flowers  pale  red,  in  small  clusters. 

Native  of  the  Alps,  and  one  of  the  flowers  most 
commonly  sent  home  in  collections  of  Alpine  plants. 
This  and  B.  ferrugineum  are  known  as  the  "  Alpen 
Rose." 

This  plant  is  useful  for  the  edges  of  beds  of  Amer- 
ican plants,  but  is  not  showy.  Figured  in  Bot.  Mag. 
43,  t.  1853. 

Variety  variegatum  is  a  more  showy  plant  than 
the  species,  and  the  foliage  variegated  with  yellow 
is  very  pretty.  It  can  be  readily  obtained  from 
England,  but  is  not  common. 

Rhododendron  ferrugineum. 

Although  this  plant  and  the  last  are  considered 
by  some  botanists  as  but  varieties  of  one  species, 
the  differences  are  quite  sufficient  to  abundantly 
disting-uish  them.  The  foliage  of  B.  ferrvgineum 
is  smooth  above,  rusty  and  dotted  below,  and  far 
larger  than  B.  hirsutum ;  the  flowers  are  also  much 
larger,  lighter-colored,  and  the  habit  of  the  plant  is 
taller.  The  buds  seldom  open  until  other  Rhodo- 
dendrons, except  B.  maximum,  are  out  of  bloom ; 
and  this  renders  it  a  very  valuable  species. 


DESCRIPTION   01-^   THE   RHODODENDRON.  63 

The  blossoms  cover  the  whole  plant,  and,  though 
not  brilliant  in  color,  in  the  mass  arc  very  showy. 
It  stands  the  coldest  Avinters  uninjured,  will  grow 
in  any  moist  garden  soil,  and  never  fails  to  bloom. 

Figured  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  65,  though  the  flower  is 
too  bright  in  color. 

Yariety  album,  figTired  in  Sweet's,  Fl.  G.  II. 
t.  258,  has  white  flowers.  We  do  not  now  find  it 
in  any  catalogues. 

Rhododendron  lapponicum. 

A  small  Alpine  species,  growing  about  six  inches 
high,  with  small  violet-purple  flowers.  We  have  not 
seen  it  in  cultivation,  although  it  can  easily  be 
obtained  from  the  White  Mountains.  Probably,  like 
all  Alpines,  it  would  prove  of  difficult  cultivation. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  58,  t.  3106. 

Rhododendron  kamtschaticum. 

A  low-growing  species,  with  purple  flowers,  native 
of  Kamtschatka ;  probably  not  now  to  be  found  in 
cultivation. 

Rhododendron  CHAMiECiSTUS. 

This  species,  in  foliage,  is  wholly  unlike  a  Rho- 
dodendron, the  leaves  rather  resemljling  some  species 
of  thyme.  It  is  a  native  of  the  European  Alps  and 
of  Siberia ;  and  would  probably  prove  hardy,  with 


64  THE  EHODODENDRON. 

slight  protection,  such  as  a  winter  covering  of  pine- 
needles,  as  it  never  exceeds  a  few  inches  in  height. 

The  flowers  are  large,  for  the  plant ;  pale  purple, 
and  very  handsome. 

Figured  in  Pax.  Mag.  3,  p.  169 ;  Bot.  Mag.  14, 
t.  488 ;  Lodd.  Cab.  1491. 

We  now  come  to  the  most  showy  of  the  family, 
the  magnificent  species  of  the  Sikkim  Himalayas. 
Of  these  we  can  only  briefly  cite  from  English 
authorities.  We  have  had  no  experience  in  their 
culture.  They  are  all  tender,  —  many  true  green- 
house plants ;  others  will  stand  a  few  degrees  of  frost. 
These  latter  are  worthy  of  cultivation  in  a  Rhodo- 
dendron-house. 

The  magnificent  work  of  Hooker,  on  the  "  Rho- 
dodendrons of  the  Sikkim  Himalaya,"  from  which 
we  derive  most  of  our  information,  gives  beautiful 
colored  figures  of  these  noble  species.  We  have 
also  given  references  to  such  figures  as  we  have 
been  able  to  find  in  other  illustrated  works ;  but  our 
notice  of  all  these  species  must  necessarily  be 
brief,  and  can  only  serve  to  call  the  attention  of 
the  amateur  to  the  wealth  of  floral  beauty  which  is 
within  his  reach. 

All  the  best  species  can  now  be  obtained  of  Eng- 
lish nurserymen,  and  many  fine  hybrids  have  been 
originated  within  the  last  ten  years. 

We  also  mention  some  of  the  tropical  Rhododen- 
drons: species  of  easy  growth  with  stove-heat, 
many  of  which  are  exquisitely  beautiful,  and  some 
deliciously  fragrant. 


DESCRIPTION   OF   THE  RHODODENDRON. 


Rhododendron  Dalhousije. 

This  species,  one  of  the  noblest  of  the  family,  pro- 
duces flowers  three  to  four  inches  in  diameter  ;  white, 
tinged  with  rose,  and  very  fragrant. 

It  is  parasitical  on  the  trunks  of  oaks  and  mag- 
nolias, in  its  native  habitat ;  but  in  cultivation  does 
not  require  the  treatment  of  an  epiphyte,  growing 
freely  in  the  gromid  or  inarched  on  other  species. 
No  description  can  do  justice  to  its  beauty ;  but  some 
idea  may  be  formed  by  reference  to  the  illustrations 
in  Hook.  Rhod.  tab.  1  and  2 ;  Bot.  Mag.  79,  t.  4718, 
and  88,  t.  5322  ;  Fl.  des  Serres,  5,  t.  460-468. 


Rhododendron  barbatum. 

A  tall-growing  species,  attaining  the  height  of 
sixty  feet ;  the  leaf-stalks  covered  with  long  bristles, 
or  hairs.  The  flowers  are  blood-color,  in  a  close, 
compact  head  ;  very  handsome.  This  species  has 
proved  hardy  in  England.  Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod. 
pi.  3  ;  and  Fl.  des  Serres,  5,  t.  469-472. 

Rhododendron  lancifolium. 

A  shrubby  species,  with  lanceolate,  coriaceous 
leaves,  and  small,  close  heads  of  rich  crimson 
flowers  ;  nearly  allied  to  the  foregoing,  but  wholly 
destitute  of  hairs. 

Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  4. 


Q^  THE   RHODODENDEON. 


Rhododendron  Wallichii. 

A  shrub  attaining  a  height  of  about  eight  feet, 
with  showj  foliage,  and  large  lilac  flowers,  with 
rosy  dots.  In  foliage  this  species  is  distinct  from  all 
others. 

Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  5.  It  is,  however, 
regarded  as  a  form  of  M.  campanulatum,  and  as  such 
is  figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  82,  t.  4928. 

Rhododendron  Campbelli^. 

A  species  often  attaining  the  height  of  forty  feet, 
and  only  distinguished  slightly,  botanically,  from  R. 
arboreiim.     Flowers  scarlet,  in  close  heads. 

Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  6. 

Rhododendron  Roylh. 

A  low-growing  shrub,  with  brownish-red  flowers, 
tipped  with  blue ;  not  a  very  showy  species. 
Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  7. 

Rhododendron  cinnabarinum. 

A  small  species,  very  distinct  both  in  foliage  and 
flower ;  the  former  beautifully  reticulated,  the  latter 
of  a  fine  cinnabar  color. 

Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  8. 

Variety  pallidum  has  fine  rose-colored  flowers,  in 
an  irregular  terminal  umbel.  Figured  in  Bot.  Mag. 
80,  t.  4788. 


DESCRIPTION   OF  THE  RHODODENDRON.  67 


Rhododendron  eljeagnoides. 

A  little  Icnown,  low-growing  species,  from  the 
snowy  regions  of  the  Himalayas.  The  flowers  are 
usually  yellow,  but  vary  to  deep-red  purple. 

Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  23. 

Rhododendron  argenteiim. 

A  tall-growing,  magnificent  species,  with  leaves 
a  foot  long,  by  three  or  four  inches  in  breadth. 
Flowers  white,  two  or  three  inches  long,  and  as 
much  in  diameter. 

Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  9;  Bot.  Mag.  84, 
t.  6054;  and  Fl.  des  Serres,  5,  t.  4T3-476. 

Rhododendron  Falconeri. 

A  large  tree,  with  immense  leaves,  downy  on  the 
under  side ;  and  heads  of  numerous,  small,  white 
flowers.     A  very  distinct  and  striking  species. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  82,  t.  4924 ;  Fl.  des  Serres 
5,  t.  477,  480,  and  11,  t.  11G6-67 ;  Hook.  Rhod. 
pi.  10. 

Rhododendron  vaccinioides. 

A  very  small,  straggling,  epiphytal  species,  much 
resembling  in  growth  and  appearance  the  Himalaya 
vaccinum  ( V.  ohovatum^.  The  flowers  are  un- 
known. 


68  THE   RHODODENDRON. 


Rhododendron  niveum. 

A  species  much  resembling  R.  arboreum,  but  dis- 
tinguished by  the  snow-white  under  surface  of  the 
foliage.    Flowers  light  lavender-white  color. 

Figured  in  Lem.  Jar.  t.  421  ;  and  Bot.  Mag.  79, 
t.  4730. 

Rhododendron  oboyatum. 

A  small,  resinous  shrub,  with  small  red  flowers  ; 
nearly  allied  to  R.  lepidotum. 

Rhododendron  lepidotuivi. 

A  species  with  small  flowers,  existing  in  two 
varieties  ;  the  one  with  yellow,  the  other  with  red- 
dish-purple flowers. 

It  is  a  pretty  species.  Although  native  of  high 
mountains,  it  would  probably  prove  tender. 

Figured  in  Lem.  Jar.  pi.  343 ;  Bot.  Mag.  78,  t. 


Rhododendron  Aucklandh. 

A  magnificent  species,  the  flowers  often  measuring 
five  inches  in  diameter.  Color  white,  tinged  with 
pink.     Leaves  four  to  ten  inches  long,  bright  green. 

Figured  in  Revue  Hort.  1855,  5 ;  Hook.  Rhod. 
pi.  11. 

This  plant  is  sometimes  referred  to  R.  Griffith- 
ianum,  as  a  variety.     See  Bot.  Mag.  84,  t.  5065. 


DESCRIPTION   OF  THE   RHODODENDRON,  69 


Rhododendron  Thomson7. 

A  slirubby  species,  noticeable  for  the  deep  blood- 
red  color  of  the  flowers,  and  their  glossy  surface. 
Foliage  roundish. 

Figmed  in  Fl.  des  Serres,  7,  t.  688-690 ;  Hook. 
Rhod.  pi.  12  ;  Bot.  Mag.  83,  t.  4997  ;  Revue  Hort. 
1855,  t.  7. 

Rhododendron  pendulum. 

An  epiphytal  species,  native  of  damp,  gloomy 
forests,  on  the  branches  of  pine-trees.  Shoots  long, 
straggling ;  leaves  dull  green,  rusty  below ;  flowers 
small,  white.  Figin^ed  in  Fl.  des  Serres,  7,  t.  662 ; 
and  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  13. 

Rhododendron  pumilum. 

This  is  the  smallest  of  the  Sikkim  Rhododendrons, 
and  one  of  the  rarest  and  most  beautiful.  Leaves 
about  half  an  inch  long  ;  flowers  very  delicate  rose- 
color. 

Figured  in  Fl.  des  Serres,  7,  t.  667 ;  and  Hook. 
Rhod.  pi.  U. 

Rhododendron  Hodgsoni. 

A  common  Himalaya  species,  forming  immense 
masses  of  jungle.  Foliage  large ;  deep,  brilliant 
green.  Flowers  in  close  heads,  pale  purple  or  rose- 
color. 


70  THE   EHODODENDRON. 

Figured  in  Revue  Hort.  1855,  22 ;  Hook.  Rliod. 
pi.  15  ;  Bot.  Mag.  92,  t.  5552. 

Rhododendron  lanatum. 

A  small  tree-like  species ;  leaves  yellowish-green, 
tawny  white  below.  Flower  pale  sulphur-colored, 
with  red  dots.     A  very  pretty  plant. 

Figured  in  Fl.  des  Serres,  7,  t.  684 ;  and  in  Hook. 
Rhod.  pi.  16. 

Rhododendron  glaucum. 

A  pretty  little  plant,  with  glaucous  foliage  and 
pale  purplish-pink  flowers. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  79,  t.  4721 ;  Revue  Hort. 
1855,  t.  11 ;  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  17 ;  FL  des  Serres,  7, 
t.  672. 

Rhododendron  Maddeni. 

A  magnificent  plant,  with  large,  campanulate, 
white  flowers,  often  tinged  with  pink.  Foliage  clear 
green,  tawny  below. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  80,  t.  4805 ;  Fl.  des  Serres, 
9,  t.  912 ;  Hook.  Rhod.  18  ;  Revue  Hort.  1855, 
16 ;  nius.  Hort.  1857,  t.  140. 

Rhododendron  triflorum. 

A  small  shrub,  with  pale  greenish-yellow  flowers 
much  resembling  an  azalea,  growing  in  clusters  of 
three. 


DESCRIPTION   OF  THE  KIIODODENDRON.  71 

Figau-ed  in  Fl.  dcs  Scrrcs,  7,  t.  G73  ;  Hook.  Rhod. 
pi.  19. 

Rhododendron  setosdm. 

A  small-growing  species,  much  resembling  a 
Rhodora  in  habit  and  flower.  Leaves  box-like,  and 
evergreen  ;  flowers  purplish,  freely  produced.  The 
whole  plant  is  strongly  and  disagreeably  resinous. 
A  native  of  the  highest  mountains,  and  very  showy 
when  in  bloom.     It  would  probably  be  hardy. 

Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  20. 

Rhododendron  Edgeworthi. 

An  epiphytal  species,  with  superb  flowers  and 
neat,  small  foliage.  Flowers  white,  tinged  with 
blush  or  pale  yellow,  often  four  inches  in  diameter. 

Figiu-ed  in  Fl.  des  Serres,  8,  t.  797-8 ;  Hook. 
Rhod.  pi.  21 ;  Bot.  Mag.  82,  t.  4936. 

Rhododendron  ^ruginosum. 

A  shrubby  species,  native  of  altitudes  15,000  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  sea.  Flowers  lilac-rose,  in 
small,  close  heads. 

Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  22. 

Rhododendron  saligneum. 

A  slender  plant,  with  pale  glaucous-gi'een,  droop- 
ing leaves.  Flower  light  yellow,  spotted  with 
green,  about  an  inch  in  diameter.     A  pretty  species. 

Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  23. 


72  THE   KHODODENDRON. 


EnODODENDRON   CILIATUM. 

A  small  shrub,  attaining  the  height  of  two  feet ; 
the  whole  plant  hairy.  Leaves  dark  green.  Flower 
pale  reddish-purple,  very  pretty.  This  species  is 
one  of  the  most  easily  grown  of  the  Sikkim  kinds, 
and  flowers  freely. 

Figured  in  Pax.  Fl.  G.  t.  83  ;  and  Hook.  Rhod. 
pi.  24. 

Variety  rosed  album  differs  in  having  rosy-white 
flowers,  and,  like  the  species,  blooms  freely  when 
only  a  few  inches  high.  This  was  the  first  of  the 
Sikkim  species  which  flowered  in  cultivation. 

Figured  in  Lem.  Jar.  t.  312  ;  Bot.  Mag.  78,  t. 
4648  ;  Fl.  des  Serres,  8,  t.  766. 

Rhododendron  fulgens. 

A  native  of  high  latitudes,  and  a  very  showy 
plant.  Flowers  in  round,  close  heads,  of  a  deep, 
glowing  scarlet  color.  Foliage  roundish;  tawny 
below. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  88,  t.  5317  ;  Fl.  des  Serres, 
8,  t.  789 ;  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  25. 

Rhododendron  nivale. 

A  little  plant,  growing  only  two  inches  high,  and 
attaining  "  a  loftier  elevation  than  any  other  shrub 
in  the  world."  It  much  resembles  R.  lapponicum. 
The  foliage  is  very  small;  the  flower   about  one- 


DESCRIPTION   OF   THE  RHODODENDRON.  73 

third  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  purple.      The  whole 
plant  has  an  odor  resembling  cologne. 
Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  26. 

Rhododendron  virgatum. 

A  very  slender,  twiggy  species,  from  Bootan. 
Flowers  reddish-purple,  solitary  or  in  pairs.  Foliage 
very  glaucous. 

Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  26. 

See  also  Bot.  Mag.  84,  t.  5060;  and  Fl.  des 
Serres,  14,  t.  1408,  for  varieties  which  differ,  in 
having  pink  and  white  flowers,  and  in  their  disposi- 
tion,—  Avhich  is  in  the  one  axillary,  in  the  other 
terminal. 

Rhododendron  WiGHTn. 

A  very  large  tree,  with  showy  foliage ;  rusty  cin- 
namon-color below,  rich  green  on  the  upper  sur- 
face. Flowers  bell-shaped,  in  dense  clusters ;  yellow, 
beautifully  marked  with  red.     A  splendid  species. 

Fig-ured  in  Fl.  des  Serres,  8,  t.  792-3;  Hook. 
Rhod.  pi.  27. 

Rhododendron  camelli^florum. 

A  singular  epiphytal  species,  found  growing 
upon  pine-trees.  Stems  slender  ;  foliage  small  ; 
flowers  white,  resembling  a  single  camellia. 

Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  28  ;  and  Bot.  Mag. 
82,  t.  4932. 


74  THE  EHODODENDRON. 


Rhododendron  candelabrtoi. 

This  plant,  of  which  a  beautiful  figure  is 
given  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  29,  is  considered  by  Dr. 
Hooker  as  a  pale-flowered  variety  of  R.  Thomsoni. 
(Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  12.)  There  are,  however,  some 
slight  botanical  differences  between  the  two. 

Rhododendron  campylocarpum. 

This  species  is  a  small  shrub,  and  is  one  of 
the  most  charming  of  the  Sikkim  Rhododendrons. 
Foliage  bright  green  ;  flowers  bell-shaped,  sulphur- 
yellow,  spotless,  and  fragrant. 

Figured  in  Hook.  Rhod.  pi.  30 ;  Bot.  Mag.  83, 
t.  4968. 

Rhododendron  Nh^agiricum. 

•  This  plant  much  resembles  R.  arboreum,  of 
which  it  may  prove  a  variety.  By  some,  however, 
it  is  considered  identical  with  R.  Camphellice.  It  is 
a  native  of  Nepal,  and  bears  large  trusses  of  rosy- 
pink  and  white  flowers. 

Figured  in  Fl.  des  Serres,  10,  t.  1030-1;  and 
Bot.  Mag.  74,  t.  4381. 

Rhododendron  formostoi 

Is  a  native  of  Silhet,  in  the  east  Himalaya  range. 
The  flowers  are  large,  white,  fragrant,  and  very 
showy. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  75,  t.  4457. 


DESCRIPTION   OP  THE   RHODODENDRON. 


Rhododendron  Gibson: 

Is  a  very  fine  species,  with  large,  white  flowers, 
with  yellowish  shading.  The  young  foliage  resem- 
bles an  azalea. 

Figured  in  Pax.  Mag.  8,  p.  217  ;  and  Fl.  des 
Serres,  1,  t.  18. 

Rhododendron  javanicum. 

This  is  a  tropical  species,  but  will  thrive  and 
bloom  freely  in  a  warm  greenhouse.  The  foliage  is 
bright  glossy  green ;  the  flowers  orange-yellow,  but 
very  variable  in  shade. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  73,  t.  4336 ;  Pax.  Mag.  15, 
p.  217 ;  Fl.  des  Serres,  3,  t.  293-4. 

Variety  aurantiacum  (Fl.  des  Serres,  6,  t.  576) 
has  trusses  of  vivid  orange  flowers,  lighted  with  rosy 
tints. 

Rhododendron  citrinum. 

This  small  species  is  also  a  native  of  Java.  The 
flowers  are  small,  drooping,  light  yellow. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  80,  t.  4797 ;  and  m  Fl.  des 
Serres,  10,  t.  970. 

Rhododendron  jasminiflorum. 

This  elegant  species  is  a  native  of  Malacca.  The 
flowers  are  tubular,  white,  with  deep  pink  eye ;  the 


76  THE  EHODODENDROX. 

foliage  neat  and  sliowy.     From  this  species  some 
beautiful  hybrids  have  been  produced. 

Figured  in  Lem.  Jar.  t.  41 ;  Bot.  Mag.  76,  t. 
4524 ;  nius.  Hort.  1859,  t.  203. 

Rhododendron  Champions. 

This  beautiful  species  is  a  native  of  Hong  Kong. 
Botanically,  it  is  nearly  allied  to  jR.  formosum.  The 
foliage  is  distinctly  veined;  the  flowers  rosy,  or  red 
dish-pink,  shading  to  a  white  throat,  with  broad, 
spreading  petals. 

A  variety  is  described  with  delicate,  white  flowers, 
the  upper  lip  pale  yellow,  towards  the  centre  copi- 
ously dotted  with  ochre. 

Figured  in  Lem.  Jar.  t.  208  ;  and  Bot.  Mag.  77, 
t.  4609. 

Rhododendron  Farrer^, 

Figured  in  Sweet's  Fl.  G.  2,  t.  93,  is  a  small, 
pink-flowered  species  from  China.  The  flowers  are 
very  pretty,  resembling  azaleas.  Probably  not  in 
cultivation. 

Rhododendron  Metternichi. 

This  is  a  Japanese  species,  a  native  of  high 
mountains,  and  would  doubtless  prove  hardy. 
The  flowers  are  rather  small,  rosy-white,  something 
like  those  of  R.  maximum. 

Figured  in  Sieb.  Fl.  Jap.  pi.  9. 


DESCRIPTION   OF   THE  EHODODENDEON. 


Rhododendron  album. 

A  very  pretty  Javanese  species,  with  whitish-yel- 
low flowers;  foliage  dark  green,  rich  rust-color 
below. 

.     In  habit  this  species  resembles  i?.  citrinum.     A 
stove  plant. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  83,  t.  4972. 


Rhododendron  Batemani 

Resembles  as  a  species  R.  campamdatum.    Flowers 
large,  deep  crimson-red.     Native  of  Himalaya. 
Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  89,  t.  5387. 


Rhododen-dron  blandfordianum. 

A  Himalayan  species,  very  variable  both  in  flower 
and  foliage.  Color  brick-red,  orange,  or  even 
greenish. 

A  fine  figure  is  given  in  Ulus.  Hort.  3,  t.  112. 
See  also  Bot.  Mag.  82,  t.  4930  ;  and  Fl.  des  Serres, 
11,  t.  1173. 

Rhododendron  Boothii. 

A  very  showy,  tender  species,  from  Central  Asia. 
Flowers  small,  bright  yellow  ;  foliage,  when  young, 
very  hairy.     Figured  in  Illus.  Hort.  3,  t.  174. 


78  THE  EHODODENDRON. 


Rhododendron  Brookianum. 

A  rare  and  splendid  kind,  native  of  Borneo, 
and,  in  its  wild  state,  epiphytal.  Flowers  large, 
rich  golden  yellow. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  82,  t.  4935  ;  and  Fl.  des 
Serres,  12,  t.  1238-9. 


Rhododendron  calophyllum. 

A  fine  species,  native  of  the  Bootan  Mountains, 
where  Mr.  Booth  discovered  sixteen  new  species, 
emulating  the  example  of  Hooker,  who  found  forty- 
three  in  the  Sikkim  Himalayas. 

Flowers  large,  white,  very  showy. 

Figiu-ed  in  Bot.  Mag.  83,  t.  5002  ;  also  in  Hen. 
111.  Bou.  pi.  19. 

Rhododendron  grande. 

A  tall-growing  species  from  India.  Figured  in 
Wight,  vol.  4,  t.  1202. 

Probably  not  in  cultivation. 

Rhododendron  Griffithianum. 

A  fine  species,  with  large,  white  flowers.  Figured 
in  Wight,  vol.  4,  t.  1203.  R.  Aucklandii  (Bot. 
Mag.  84,  t.  5065)  is  sometimes  referred  to  this 
species. 


DESCRIPTION   OF  THE  RHODODENDRON.  79 


Rhododendron  Hookeri. 

One  of  the  Bootan  species,  of  tall  habit,  and  only 
found  at  high  elevations.     Flowers  very  regular,  of 
rich  scarlet  color. 
•   Figmed  in  Bot.  Mag.  82,  t.  4926. 

Rhododendron  Kendrickii. 

A  species  with  dark  foliage,  which  varies  much  in 
width.     Flowers  in  large  trusses,  scarlet. 

Figured  in  (variety  latifoliuni)  Bot.  Mag.  85, 
t.  5129. 

Rhododendron  Keysii. 

A  very  singular  species,  wholly  dissimilar  in 
flower  from  all  other  Rhododendrons.  The  flowers 
are  dull  red,  tipped  with  pale  yellow,  and  are  pro- 
duced in  clusters  from  the  old  wood.  In  habit  it  is 
a  small  shrub,  a  native  of  Bootan,  and  has  proved 
hardy  in  England. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  81,  t.  4875;  and  Fl.  des 
Serres,  11,  t.  1110. 

Rhododendron  moulmaynense. 

A  small,  slender-growing  species,  producing  deli- 
cate white  flowers,  tinged  with  yellow.  Native  of 
Moulmain. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  82,  t.  4904. 


80  THE   EHODODENDEON. 


Rhododendron  Shepherdh. 

One  of  the  Bootan  kinds,  much  resembling  R. 
Kendrickii.      Flowers  deep  scarlet,  in  large  trusses. 
Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  85,  t.  5125. 

Rhododendron  Nuttallii. 

A  superb  species  ;  in  Bhotan,  its  native  country, 
forming  a  tree  thirty  feet  high.  The  leaves  are 
nearly  a  foot  long,  and  the  single,  white  flowers 
measure  six  inches  in  diameter.  It  is  not  a  free 
bloomer  in  cultivation.  The  flowers  are  white, 
shaded  to  light  yellow,  and  are  very  beautiful. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  85,  t.  5146  ;  Fl.  des  Serres, 
13,  t.  1326 ;  Illus.  Hort.  1859,  t.  208  ;  Hen.  111. 
Bou.  pi.  21. 

Rhododendron  eetusum. 

A  native  of  western  Java  and  Sumatra,  generally 
on  high  mountains.  The  flowers  are  small,  but  of  a 
bright  scarlet  color,  very  rich  and  showy ;  foliage 
bright  evergreen. 

A  fine  figure  of  this  plant  is  given  in  Illus.  Hort. 
2,  t.  76.  See  also  Bot.  Mag.  81,  t.  4859 ;  Fl.  des 
Serres,  10,  t.  1044. 

Rhododendron  Smithii. 

Another   of  the   Bootan   species.      Foliage    rich 
dark  green  ;  flowers  rich  red,  in  large,  close  heads. 
Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  85,  t.  5120. 


DESCEIPTION   OF   THE  EHODODENDRON.  81 


Rhododendron  Yeichianum. 

A  magnificent  species,  from  Moulmain.  Flowers 
very  large  and  showy,  white,  with  wavy  petals,  as  in 
some  of  the  Indian  azaleas. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  88,  t.  4992  ;  Fl.  des  Serres, 
14,  t.  1416,  and  15,  t.  1519-20. 

Rhododendron  Windsorii. 

A  Bootan  species,  which  proves  hardy  in  Eng- 
land. Foliage  dull,  opaque  green  ;  silvery  below. 
Flowers  rosy-red  or  white. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  83,  t.  5008. 

Rhododendron  Lobbianum. 

A  fine  stove  species,  from  Penang,  intermediate 
between  R.  javanicum  and  Brookiamim.  Foliage 
bright  evergreen  ;   flowers  bright  yellow. 

Figured  in  FL  Mag.  pi.  10. 

Rhododendron  Thibaudiense. 

This  pretty  species  is  nearly  related  to  R.  Keysii, 
which  it  resembles  in  the  peculiar  form  of  the 
flowers  ;  but,  unlike  that  species,  they  are  terminal, 
and  not  produced  on  the  old  wood.  It  is  a  very 
showy  plant,  native  of  Bhotan. 

Figured  in  Fl.  Mag.  pi.  253. 
4* 


82  THE   RHODODENDRON. 


Rhododendron  Fortuni. 

A  Chinese  species,  resembling  —  both  in  foliage, 
form  of  flower,  and  fragrance  —  R.  Griffithianum  ; 
but  differing  in  color  of  flower,  which  is  in  this 
plant  a  delicate  rose.     Hardy  in  England. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  92,  t.  5596. 

It  is  not  improbable  that,  the  next  few  years  may 
give  us  new  species  of  these  magnificent  Rhododen- 
drons. The  mountains  of  Asia  have  proved  won- 
derfully rich  in  new  plants,  and  seem  the  true 
kingdom  of  this  glorious  flower.  The  beauty  of 
the  species  already  known  is  such  that  it  seems 
impossible  that  finer  kinds  can  be  discovered.  We 
have  already  beauty,  size,  and  richness  of  foliage ; 
color,  size,  symmetry,  and  fragrance  of  flower;  and 
good  habit  in  the  plant,  —  which  leave  us  nothing 
to  expect  and  nothing  to  desire. 

The  varieties  we  now  mention  are  hybrids,  gen- 
erally from  species  we  have  already  described. 

Rhododendron  Aprilis. 

A  hybrid  between  ponticum  and  dauricum  ;  color 
■rose.     Figured  in  Bot.  Reg.  29,  t.  62. 
Probably  lost  from  cultivation. 

Rhododendron  alstromerioides 

Is  a  cross  between  an  azalea  and  R.  caucasicum 
album.  The  flowers  are  prettily  spotted,  but  there 
are  hundreds  of  better  kinds. 

Figured  in  Lem.  Jar.  t.  384. 


description  op  the  rhododendron.  83 

Rhododendron  Wilsoni, 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  85,  t.  5116,  is  a  hybrid 
between  R.  ciliatum  and  R.  glaucum.  The  flowers 
are  rosy-red,  and  very  pretty. 

Rhododendron  precox. 

An  early-blooming  variety,  raised  from  R.  dau- 
ricum  atrovirens  and  ciliatum.  The  flowers  are 
bright  rosy-lilac,  and  freely  produced.  Probably 
hardy. 

Figured  in  Fl.  Mag.  pi.  58. 

Rhododendron  Prince  of  Wales  (RoUinson's) 

Is  a  hybrid  between  R.  javanicum  and  retusum. 
Flowers  tubular,  orange,  very  showy.  Requires 
stove  culture. 

Figured  in  Fl.  Mag.  pi.  155. 

Rhododendron  carneum. 

Flowers  pale  pinkish-white,  with  green  spots ;  a 
hybrid  between  R.  arboreiim  and  some  variety  of 
Azalea  sinensis. 

Figured  in  Fl.  des  Serres,  1846,  t.  3. 


A  seedling  between  Azalea  midijlora  and  Rhodo- 
dendron Catawbiense,  has  pretty  purplish  flowers, 
with  lighter  centre,  much  resembling  R.  Govenia- 
num.     The  foliage  is  evergreen  in  ordinary  winters. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Reg.  17,  t.  1449. 


84  THE   RHODODENDRON. 


Rhododendron  caucasicum  aeboreum 

Is  a  hybrid  between  B.  arboreum  and  caucasicum. 
The  flowers  are  pink,  and  very  pretty.  Figured  in 
Maud.  Bot.  4,  p.  157. 

E.  venustum  of  Sweet,  Fl.  G.  2,  t.  285,  is  the 
same  plant. 

Rhododendron  Denisoni 

Was  raised  from  R.  Dalhomice,  crossed  with  R. 
Edgeworthi  and  Gfibsoni.  The  flowers  are  large, 
white,  lighted  with  straw-color. 

Figured  in  Fl.  Mag.  p.  291. 

Rhododendron  album  speciosum. 

A  tender,  white  -  flowered  variety,  beautifully 
spotted. 

Fig-ured  in  lUus.  Hort.  1,  t.  1. 

Rhododendron  Sesterianum. 

A  cross  between  JR.  Edgeworthi  and  Gribsoni. 
Flowers  white,  very  large,  marked  with  reddish-yel- 
low spots. 

Figured  in  Illus.  Hort.  9,  t.  345. 

Rhododendron  Princess  Alexandra, 

A  hybrid  from  JR.  jasminijlorum,  has  large,  fra- 
grant, white  flowers,  tinged  with  pink. 
Figured  in  Fl.  Mag.  pi.  245. 


DESCRIPTION   OP   THE   RHODODENDRON.  85 


Rhododendron  Princess  Helena 

"Was  also  raised  from  jR.  jasminiflorinn,  fertilized 
with  a  scarlet  seedling.  The  flowers  are  long, 
tubidar,  bright  pink,  and  very  showy. 

Figured  in  Fl.  Mag.  pi.  220. 

Rhododendron  Princess  Alice 

Is  the  result  of  crossing  B.  ciliatiim  and  Edge- 
worthi.  The  flowers  are  very  large,  pure  white, 
the  buds  tipped  with  pink. 

Figured  in  Fl.  Mag.  pi.  206. 

Rhododendron  Madame  Van  Houite 

Is  a  hybrid  of  R.  maximum,  and  of  course  hardy. 
The  truss  is  very  large,  the  flowers  bright  pmkish- 
white. 

Figured  in  Fl.  des  Serres,  15,  t.  1606-7. 

Rhododendron  Othello  (Yan  Houtte) 

Is  also  a  hybrid  from  R.  maximum,  which  it 
resembles  in  the  shape  of  the  truss.  Flowers  deep 
reddish-purple. 

Figured  in  Fl.  des  Serres,  12,  t.  1274. 

Rhododendron  Grand  Due  de  Bade 

Is  derived  from  the  hybrid  omnigiiUatum,  fertil- 
ized with  R.  cinnamomeum.  The  flowers  are  white, 
flaked  all  over  with  dark  reddish-purple. 

Figured  in  Illus.  Hort.  11,  t.  423. 


THE  EHODODENDEON. 


Rhododendron  Madame  Wagner 

Is  a  hybrid  from  B.  caucasicum.    The  flowers  are 
white,  edged  with  cherry,  the  petals  crimped. 
Figm-ed  in  Illus.  Hort.  2,  t.  66. 

Rhododendron  Madame  Picouline 

Is  a  hybrid  between  B.  ferrugineum  and  arboreum. 
The  flowers  are  white,  intensely  spotted. 
Figured  in  Illus.  Hort.  3,  t.  84. 

Rhododendron  omniguitatum 

Is  probably  derived  from  B.  poiiticum.     Flower 
small  bright  rose,  beautifully  marked  with  crimson. 
Figured  in  Illus.  Hort.  7,  t.  244. 

Rhododendron  myrtifolium 

Is  a  cross  between  B.  hirsutum  and  punctatum ; 
a  hardy  variety,  suitable  for  small  beds,  or  the 
edges  of  larger  ones.     Flowers  reddish-pink. 

Figured  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  908. 

Rhododendron  fragrans. 

This  is  a  chance  seedling  from  B.  Catawbiense, 
probably  hybridized  with  an  azalea.  The  foliage 
is  fine  evergreen  ;  the  flowers  pale  purple,  and  fra- 
grant.    A  desirable  hardy  variety. 

Figured  in  Pax.  Mag.  10,  p.  147. 


DESCRIPTION    OF  THE  RHODODENDRON.  87 


Rhododendron  hybridum 

Is  a  dwarf,  neat  TarietY,  of  uncertain  parentage. 
While  very  pretty,  the  foliage  has  with  us  been  badly 
cut  up  by  the  winter.     The  plant  figured  under  this 


such- 


Rhododendron  Govenianum. 


This  variety  was  produced  from  a  hardy  azalea, 
crossed  with  a  hybrid  of  R.  ponticum  and  Cataw- 
biense.  .  With  us  it  is  not  an  evergreen,  except  in 
v6ry  mild  winters.  Flowers  fragrant,  pale  reddish- 
purple  ;  habit  slender,  much  resembling  an  azalea. 

Figured  in  Sweet,  Fl.  G.  1,  t.  263. 

Rhododendron  Torlonianum. 

A  hybrid,  like  the  last,  and  in  habit  much  resem- 
bling it. 

The  flowers  are  whitish  purplish-pink,  but  vary  in 
shade.  Both  this  and  the  last  variety  suffer  some- 
what in  severe  winters ;  and,  while  pretty,  they  are 
not  especially  to  be  recommended. 

Rhododendron  arboreum  cinnamomeum 

Was  raised  from  seed  obtained  by  crossing  R. 
maximum  with  R.  cinnamomeum.  The  foliage  is 
very  large,  and  tawny  below ;  the  truss  large ; 
flowers  A\hite,  with  dark  purple  spots. 

Figun  d  in  Pax.  Fl.  G.  p.  16. 


88  THE   RHODODENDRON. 


Rhododendron  Comtesse  Ferdinand  Yisant. 

A  seedling  of  Van  Houtte's,  from  R.  campanula- 
turn,  fertilized  with  It.  cinnamomeum.  Flowers 
creamy  white,  bordered  with  delicate  rose. 

FigTired  in  Fl.  des  Serres,  9,  t.  935. 

Rhododendron  daphnoides. 

This  is  a  pretty  dwarf  variety,  of  which  we  have 
been  unable  to  find  the  origin.  The  flowers  are  pink 
.or  rose-colored,  and  very  pretty. 

Rhododendron  ovatum. 

Another  dwarf  variety,  with  rosy  flowers  and  neat 
foliage.  Both  this  and  the  last  are  generally  hardy, 
although  the  foliage  often  gets  browned  by  the  winter. 

Rhododendron  Countess  of  Haddington. 

A  hybrid,  between  jR.  Dalhousice  and  ciliatmn; 
of  neat,  evergreen  habit,  and  large,  white,  blush- 
tinted  flowers.     Figured  in  Hen.  Illus.  Bou.  pi.  82. 

Rhododendron  aureum  magnifictjim. 

This  variety,  which  is  probably  the  same  as  that 
figured  in  Sweet,  and  which  we  have  before  men- 
tioned under  the  name  of  R.  Smithii  aureum,  is  one 
of  a  lot  of  seedlings  produced  by  crossing  a  Rhodo- 
dendron with  a  species  of  yellow  azalea  (^A.  sinensis^. 
In  habit  they  are  robust ;  the  fohage  is  sub-ever- 
green, partaking  of  the  character  of  both  parents. 


DESCRIPTION   OP   THE  KHODODENDRON. 


89 


The  following  list  we  copy  from  "  Henderson's 
Illustrated  Bouquet,"  where  a  fine  plate  is  given :  — 


J.iireum  magnijiciim. 

„        punctatum    . 

„        superbum 
Alhicmjf avian  .     .     . 

Bianca   

Burlingtonii     .     .     . 
^       Carneum  versicolor   . 

Congestum  aureum    . 
Cupfeum     .... 


Delicatum  aureum     . 


Gloriosum   .... 
Jenhinsii     .... 

Macranllmm  jiavum  . 

Ornatum      .... 

Primulimun  formosum 

,.  elegans  . 


clear  bright  yellow ;  large  truss, 
primrose,  spotted  with  orange, 
fine  yellow,  deep  orange  spots, 
blush  white,  orange-yellow  sjjots. 
pure  white,  yellow  spots, 
bright  yellow ;  large  truss, 
yellow  -  pink      edging,      finely 

spotted, 
good  yellow  ;  compact  truss, 
rich   coppery  -  orange,    suffused 

with  pink, 
blush  pink,  with  large  blotch  of 

orange  spots, 
white,  spotted  with  yellow, 
lemon,  tinged  with  pink ;  large 

truss, 
shaded   pink,  with   buff-yellow 

centre, 
sidphur  -  yellow,    with    orange 

spots ;  large  truss, 
clear  primrose  -  yellow,    orange 

spots, 
light  primrose,  with  pale  spots  ; 

compact  truss. 


We  are  not  aware  that  any  of  these  have  been 
tested  in  this  country,  but  hope  soon  to  be  able 
to  report  from  experience  upon  their  merits  and 
hardiness. 


90  THE  EHODODENDRON. 


Rhododendron  Catawbiense. 

Magnificent  as  are  the  flowers  of  the  Himalayan 
and  Bhotan  Rhododendrons,  it  is  not  too  much  to 
say  that  our  gardens  owe  more  to  this  species  than 
to  any  other.  A  large  proportion  of  the  species  and 
varieties  we  have  described  are  tender  or  preca- 
riously hardy.  But  for  the  garden  and  shrubbery 
we  need  plants  which  will  endure  any  winter,  and 
for  these  we  must  look  to  the  so-called  "  Cataiv- 
biense  hybrids." 

The  species  is  a  native  of  the  Southern  States, 
usually  upon  the  mountains.  It  is  a  tall  shrub, 
with  lilac-purple  flowers,  evergreen  foliage,  and 
quite  a  pretty  species ;  but  the  parent  is  seldom 
grown,  being  lost  in  the  nnfltitude  of  seedling 
varieties.  To  trace  the  parentage  of  these  varieties 
is  generally  impossible.  They  range  in  color  from 
rose  or  white  to  deep  purple,  and  vary  greatly  in 
foliage. 

Every  year  hundreds  of  thousands  of  seedlings 
are  raised,  the  best  of  which  receive  names,  and  are 
thrown  upon  the  market :  most  of  these,  in  turn, 
give  place  to  newer,  yet  often  no  better  kinds, 
although  from  the  first  there  has  been  a  steady 
improvement  in  color,  constitution,  and  foliage. 

In  the  following  list  we  have  selected  those  which 
the  popular  verdict  in  England  has  pronounced  the 
best.  A  large  number  of  them  are  in  our  own  col- 
lection ;  and  we  describe  them  as  hardy  or  tender, 
according  to  our  experience. 


DESCRIPTION   OF  THE   RHODODENDRON.  91 

Where  figures  of  any  have  been  given  in  iUus- 
trated  periodicals,  we  have  referred  to  the  plate. 
For  convenience  we  give  the  list  alphabetically. 

Many  of  these  have  the  blood  of  many  species ; 
and  some,  perchance,  have  no  trace  of  Cataivbiense, 
yet,  as  hardy  garden  Rhododendrons,  their  place 
seems  to  be  in  this  list,  and,  without  vouching  for 
parentage,  we  call  the  class 


Catawbiense  Hybrids. 


AcHiEVEiiENT  .  .  .  One  of  Anthony  "Waterer's  new 
seedlings  of  1870 ;  rosy-scar- 
let, with  a  clear  white  centre  ; 
very  showy. 

AcLAXDiANUJi  .  .  .  Delicate  blush,  deeply  spotted 
with  chocolate ;  precariously 
hardy. 

AcuTiLonuM  ....  Cherry -red,  shaded ;  truss  large, 
petals  acute.  Figured  in 
Illus.  Hort.  4,  t.  149. 

Admiratiox  ....  Bright  rosy-crimson,  very  dark 
spots. 

Alakic Dark  purple,  shaded  with  crim- 
son or  plum  color ;  large  truss 
and  flower ;  hardy. 

Alarm A  very  beautiful  flower ;  centre 

white,  edged  with  pale  scar- 
let or  crimson  ;  flower  rather 
small;  tender. 

Album Pure  white  ;  free  bloomer,  fine 

foliage;  hardy. 


92 


THE   RHODODENDRON. 


Album  elegans 


Album  geandiflorum 


Album  triumphans 
Alexander  Adie    . 


Amilcar 


Ambroise 


Andersoni     .     .     . 
Ange  Vervaet   .    . 


Annihilator      .     . 
Archedug  Etienne 


Archimedes   .     .    . 
Ascot  Brilliant  . 


Blush,  changing  to  white  ;  large 
flower,  tall  habit,  good  foli- 
age ;  perfectly  hardy. 

Flower  like  the  last,  but  some- 
what larger ;  truss  large  ;  fine 
foliage ;  perfectly  hardy. 

A  very  fine  white,  large  flower. 

Brilliant  rosy  -  scarlet ;  close, 
handsome  truss. 

Bright  violet-purjDle,  with  a  red- 
dish tinge,  intense  blotch  of 
black  spots  on  the  upper 
petal.  Figured  in  Fl.  Mag. 
pi.  18. 

White,  bordered  with  rich  cochi- 
neal -  red ;  tender.  Figured 
in  Fl.  des  Ser.  8,  t.  945. 

White  ;  good  foliage ;  hardy. 

Clear  pink,  white  throat,  in- 
tensely sjootted  with  carmine. 
Figured  in  Fl.  des  Sei*.  18, 
1870-1. 

Bright  rosy-scarlet. 

White;  upper  petals  dee^Dly 
spotted  with  maroon-brown. 
Figured  in  Blus.  Hort.  13, 
t.  491. 

Bright  rosy-crimson,  with  lighter 
centre  ;  very  distinct ;  hardy. 

A  seedling  of  John  Standish, 
from  jR.  Blandyamim  with  R. 
Thomsoni ;  flowers  deepest 
blood  -  color,  having  the .  ap- 
pearance of  being  crystallized. 


DESCRIPTION   OF  THE  RHODODENDRON.  93 

Athene White,  with  yellow  blotch. 

Atkosanguineum  ,  .  Deep  blood-red ;  riowei' of  great 
substance,  fine  foliage  ;  hardy. 

Attila Dark  jmrple,  shaded-  with  crim- 
son; hardy. 

Augustus Same  as  Alauic. 

Auguste  Van  Geert  .  Light  rosy-puri^le,  marked  with 
brown. 

Aurora Bright  rosy-lake ;  free  and  late 

bloomer. 

AzuuEUJi Bluish-lilac  ;  hardy. 

Barclatanum  .  .  .  Deep  rosy-crimson ;  fine  truss 
and  foliage;  late  bloomer; 
hardy. 

Baron  Cuvier  .     .     .     Lilac,  chocolate  blotch. 

Baronesse  Lionel  ")  White,  with  scarlet  -  crimson 
Rothschild     .     .     .)      margin. 

Bertie  Parsons  .  .  A  seedling  of  Parsons  &  Co., 
of  Flushing,  Long  Island  ;  of 
good  form,  and  lilac-pink  or 
mauve  color,  with  brown  eye  ; 
hardy. 

BicoLOR Rose,  clear  white   spot  on  the 

upper  petals ;  hardy. 

Bijou  de  Gand  .  .  White,  edged  with  rose,  beauti- 
fully spotted;  tender.  Fig- 
ured in  lUus.  Hort.  7,  t.  2G1. 

Blanche  superbe  .     .     Waxy  white,  green  eye. 

Blandyanum  .  .  .  .  Deep  rosy  -  crimson ;  beautiful 
flower ;  fine  habit  and  foliage  ; 
hardy. 

Blatteum Claret  -  crimson,     shaded      and 

spotted-;  fine  form  and  truss ; 
precariously  hardy. 


94 


THE   RHODODENDRON. 


Brabantia      ....     Dark  rich  crimson. 

Bratanum Vivid  crimson,  lighter   centre; 

fine  foliage  and  truss ;  a 
dazzling  flower ;  generally 
hardy. 

Brennus Rich  crimson-lake. 

Brilliant Crimson-scarlet ;  free   bloomer, 

dwarf  habit ;  same  as  Sun  of 
AusTERLiTZ;  tender. 

Broughtoni  ....  Rosy  -  crimson ;  fine  foliage  ; 
large  truss ;  tender. 

Brutus Pale  rose,  large  flower. 

Bylsianum  ....  Clear  white  gi'ound,  the  tips  of 
the  petals  edged  with  bright 
crimson-pink ;  a  very  beauti- 
ful variety.  Figured  in  Illus. 
Hort.  5,  t.  155;  and  Hen. 
Illus.  Bou.  pi.  18. 

Candidissimum  .  .  .  Blush,  changing  to  pure  white  ; 
tender. 

Candidissimum     (Par- 
sons') .... 

Candidum  .     .     . 

Caractacus  .     . 


Chancellor  .    . 
Charles  Baglet 
Charles  Dickens 

Chionoides    .     . 


Pure  white ;  hardy. 

Blush. 

Rich  purplish  -  crimson  ;  fine 
truss  ;  foliage  and  habit; 
probably  hardy. 

Light  purple,  deeply  spotted ; 
large  truss ;  hardy. 

Cherry  -  red ;  fine  truss  ;  prob- 
ably hardy. 

Dark  scarlet;  fine  foliage;  a 
beautiful  variety  ;  probably 
hardy. 

Creamy  white,  fine  form 


DESCRIPTION    OF   THE   RIIODODENDROxV.  95 

Climax Deep  scarlet-crimson,  with  dark 

spots  on  the  upper  petals; 
probably  hardy.  Figured  in 
Fl.  Mag.  pi.  65. 

Chloe Crimson-lake,  spotted. 

Cliveanch  ....  Pinkish  -  white ;  large  truss; 
tender.  Figured  in  Bot. 
Mag.  75,  t.  4478. 

Clowesianum  .  .  .  White,  purple  spots.  Figured 
in  Fl.  des  Ser.  13,  t.  1315. 

CcELESTiNUM  .     .     .     . 'j  Blusli,  ycllow  cyc. 

CcELESTiNUM  PiCTDM    .  I   Blush,  purple-spottcd. 

CcELESTiNUM     GRANDi-  |  Blush,  yellow  eye  ;  large  truss, 

FLORUM j       and    fine   foliage;     all    fine, 

hardy  varieties. 

C(ERULESCENS      .     .     .     Bluish  whitc ;  hardy. 

Columbus Clear  purple,  spotted  ;  hardy. 

CONCESSUM  ....  Light  centre,  clear  rosy-pink 
margin ;  an  exquisite  variety  ; 
tender. 

CoNGESTUM  ROSEUM  .  Light  rose,  dark  spots ;  fine 
foliage. 

Comet Bright  scarlet. 

COMTE  DE  GoMER  .  .  "Wliite,  edged  with  rosy- crim- 
son; fine  form.  Figured  in 
nius.  Hort.  t.  230. 

CoRiACEUM  ....  Yellowish,  changing  to  pure 
white  ;  dwarf,  free  bloom-ing ; 
hardy. 

CoRREGGio      ....     Clear  dark  scarlet. 

Countess  of  Devox  .  French  white,  rosy  edges ;  upper 
petals  spotted  with  purplish- 
crimson.  Figured  in  Fl. 
Mag.  pi.  162. 


THE  RHODODENDRON. 


Cruextum . 
Cdrrieanum 


Decorator    ..    . 
Delicatissimum. 


Desdemona    . 
Dona  Maria 


DORKINSII  .      .      . 

Duo  DE  Braban: 


Duchess  de  Nassau 


Duchess    of   Suther- 
land   

Duke  of  Cambridge  , 


Duke  of  Norfolk 
E.   C.  Baring    .     . 


EdaVard  S.  Rand  . 


Elfrida     . 

Eminent    . 


Rich  lake,  fine  deejD  color ;  prob- 
ably tender 

Dark  rosy-lilac,  spotted ;  fine 
form  and  truss  ;  precariously 
hardy. 

Clear  bright  rose,  dark  spots. 

Blush- white,  tinted  with  pink  ; 
hardy. 

Blush,  riclily   marked    on    the 

upper  petals- 
White,  tinged  with  pink,  deeply 
marked  with  yellow  and  red 
spots.      Figured  in   Fl.  des 
Ser.  10,  t.  1040. 

Dark,  clear  chocolate-crimson. 

Salmon-white,    spotted ;     semi- 
double  ;  tender. 
Pink,  white   centre,   intensely 
spotted   with    brown.      Fig- 
ured in  Illus.  Hort.  12,  t.  450. 

White  centre,  shading  to  broad 
margin  of  rosy-lilac. 

Bright  crimson  -  scarlet,  pale 
centre. 

Clear  rose ;  same  as  Rubens. 

Glowing  crimson;  fine  habit; 
a  new  seedling  of  Anthony 
Waterer. 

Another  of  Mr.  Waterer's  new 
seedlings  ;  crimson ;  immense 
truss  ;  fine  Cntawhiense  habit ; 
probably  hardy. 

Bright  rosy-crimson,  dark  spots : 
a  fine  flower. 

Rosy -lilac. 


DESCRIPTION   OF  THE   RHODODENDRON. 


Erectum 

!]&TENDAKD  DE  Fl ANDRES 


EtOILE    DE    VlLHERS    . 


EVERESTIANUM     . 


FaSTUOSUM        FLORE 
PLENO       .... 


Faust 

Fleur  db  Flandre 


Fleur  DE  Marie  . 

Francis  Dickson  . 

Gemmiferum  .     .     . 
General  Cabrera 


Genseric 


Georgianum 

GiGANTEUlI 


Rosy-crimson ;  good  habit. 

Lavender-wliite,  finely  spotted ; 
generally  hardy.  Figured  in 
Fl.  des  Ser.  8,  t.  783-4. 

Rose,  shading  to  white,  deeply 
marked  with  yellow  spots. 
Figured  in  Fl.  des  Ser.  11, 
t.  1084. 

Rosy-Ulac,  spotted  and  fringed ; 
fine  foliage ;  free  bloomer  ; 
the  best  hardy  Rhododen- 
dron. 

Lilac,  fading  to  lavender ;  im- 
mense truss  of  double  flowers, 
remaining  long  in  bloom ; 
very  showy  and  desirable ; 
precariously  hardy.  Figured 
in  Fl.  des  Ser.  2,  t.  143-4. 

Pale  lilac,  beautifully  blotched. 

Reddish-pink,  deeply  spotted 
with  pm-ple  and  green.  Fig- 
ured in  Fl.  des  Ser.  17,  t. 
1816-17. 

Bright  rosy-crimson,  blotched 
with  white. 

Brilliant  scarlet;  a  fine  late 
bloomer ;  probably  tender. 

Rosy-crimson,  light  centre. 

Crimson,  with  blotch  of  dark 
spots  ;  large  flower  ;  tender. 

Purplish-crimson,  shaded  to 
scarlet. 

Light  pink,  distinct. 

Light  rose;  large  truss;  fine 
foliage  ;  hardy. 


98 


THE  EHODODENDRON. 


Glennyan-um  ....     Light  pink  ;  pretty,  but  tender. 

Gloriosum  ....  Blush-white;  large  flower; 
hardy. 

Gkandiflortjm  .     Clear   rose ;    fine    truss ;    good 

foliage;  free  bloomer;  and 
very  hardy. 

Gloire  de  Bellevue     Rose,  finely  spotted. 

GuiDO Crimson;  probably  hardy. 

Gulnare Blush-pink  ;  fine  form. 

Hannibal Rose,    shading    to    blush    and 

lighted  with  white  ;  a  fine, 
late-blooming,  hardy  kind. 

Hendersoni   ....     Dark  purplish ;  hardy. 

Henry  Bessamer  .  .  Rich  crimson,  intensely  blotched 
with  black  markings,  and  well 
defined;  one  of  Mr.  Water- 
er's  new  seedlings. 

Hester  ......     Fine  white,  reddish-brown  spots. 

H.  H.  HuNNEWELL  .  Dark  rich  crimson ;  good  habit ; 
fine  foliage  ;  probably  hardy. 

Hogarth  .  .  .  •.  .  Rosy  -  crimson  ;  a  fine,  late- 
blooming  variety ;  precari- 
ously hardy. 

H.  W.  Sargent  .  .  .  Crimson ;  enormous  truss ;  fine 
habit  and  foliage;  probably 
hardy. 

Iago Rosy-violet,  dark  spots. 

Tngrami Blush,    blotched  with    lemon; 

fine  form. 

James  Bateman  .  .  Clear  rosy-scarlet;  good  form; 
probably  hardy.  • 

James  Nasmyth  .  .  Rich  mulberry,  with  distinct 
orange  spot;  one  of  Mr.  Wa- 
terer's  new  seedlings. 


DESCRIPTION    OF   THE  RHODODENDRON. 


99 


James  McIntosh    .     . 
J.  Marshall   Buooks 


John  Spencer    .     .    . 


JoHX  Waterer  .     . 

johnsonianum    .    . 
Joseph  Whitavorth 

Lady     Annette     de 

Tr  AFFORD    .      .      . 

Lady  Armstrong  . 

Lady  Clermont 

Lady    Dorothy    Ne- 
ville  


Lady  Eleanor  Cath- 

cart 

Lady  Emily  Peel  .  . 
Lady  Falmouth  .  . 
Lady  Godiva    .     .     , 

Lee's  Purple    .     .     . 

Lady  Frances  Cross- 
ley    


Rosy-scarlet. 

Scarlet,  with  rich  brown  blotch  ; 
a  new  seedling  of  Mr.  Wa- 
terer. 

A  fine  truss  of  rosy  flowers, 
margined  with  deep  pink ;  a 
late  bloomer,  and  probably 
hardy. 

Intense  dark  crimson  ;  a  fine, 
free-blooming  variety;  large 
flower  and  fine  form. 

Brilliant  crimson ;  tender. 

Dark  lake,  with  darker  spots; 
large  flowers  ;  fine  foliage. 

Pale  rose,  intensely  blotched 
with  chocolate ;  a  new  seed- 
ling of  Mr.  Waterer's. 

Pale  rose,  beautifully  spotted ; 
probably  hardy. 

Rosy-scarlet,  intensely  blotched 
with  black  ;  probably  hardy. 

Lavender-white,  finely  spotted ; 
same  as  Etendard  de 
Flandres. 

Clear  bright  rose,  with  chocolate- 
crimson  sjjots ;  very  beautifub 

Bright  rose,  chocolate  spots. 

Clear  rose,  deep  black  blotch. 

White,  finely  spotted  with  ochre; 
large  flower. 

Dark  purple  ;  a  fine  bloomer ; 
hardy,  distinct,  and  good. 

Rosy-pink  or  salmon. 


100 


THE  RHODODENDRON. 


Lefevreanum     .     . 
Leviathan      .     .     . 


Leopardi 

.LlilBATDM 


londinense    .    '.     . 

Lord   Clyde .     .     . 
Lord  John  Russell 
Lowii 


LUCIDUM  .... 
Lucy  Neal  .  .  . 
Macranthuji  .  . 
Maculatum    grandi- 

FLORUM 

INDlCulatuji  nigrum 


Ricli   purplish  -  crimson  ;    good 

foliage ;  liardy. 
Blush,    margined    and     tinged 

with   violet;    fine   form    and 

flower. 
Lilac,   spotted    all    over    with 

chocolate. 
Rosy -white,   shading   to    pure 

white     throat;      deep     rose 

blotch;    tender.     Figured  m 

Bot.  Mag.  88,  t.  5311.     A 

variety  of  R.  arhoreum. 
Crimson-purple  ;  good  form  and 

free    bloomer ;     precariously 

hardy;    same   as   Ne   Plus 

Ultra. 
Dark   rich   crimson ;    same    as 

Brabantia. 
Rose,   intensely  spotted ;   very 

showy  and  beautiful ;  tender. 
"White,   distinctly   spotted  with 

orange  -  chocolate  ;      tender  ; 

same  as  Pictum. 
Lilac,  brown  spots  ;  free  bloom- 
er ;  beautiful  foliage ;  tender. 
Purplish  -  crimson,     shaded     to 

scarlet ;  same  as  Genseric. 
Rosy  -  blush  ;     late     bloomer  ; 

hardy  and  desirable. 
Dark   rosy -lilac,  spotted;   fine 

form     and     truss;    same    as 

CURRIEANUM. 

Dark  purple,  spotted. 


DESCRIPTION   OF   THE  RHODODENDRON. 


101 


MaCULATUM  rURPUREUM 


MaCULATDM  RUBRUXr    . 

IMaculatuji  supkrbum 


Madame  Carvalho 


Magnum  Bonum 


Marc  Antony  .     .     . 

MaRGINATO  rUNCTATUM 


Metaphor      .... 
Michael  Waterer    . 

MiLNEI 

Minnie 


MiRANDUM  . 

Mt.  Blanc 


Mr.  John  Penn 
Mrs.  Fitzgerald 


Light  purple,  deeply  spotted ; 
large  truss ;  hardy ;  same  as 
Chancellor. 

Rose,  finely  spotted. 

Lilac  -  rose,  intensely  spotted 
with  black;  large  and  fine 
truss  ;  a  late  bloomer. 

Clear  white,  greenish  -  brown 
spots;  fine  shape  and  sub- 
stance. 

Rosy-lilac,  beautifully  spotted; 
large  flower ;  precariously 
hai'dy. 

Lilac,  brown  eye  ;  hardy. 

White  ground,  deep  carmine 
spots.  Figured  in  lUus.  Hort. 
14,  t.  505. 

Rose  ;  large  truss  ;  fine  form. 

Scarlet  -  crimson  ;  fine  form ; 
very  beautiful. 

Rosy-crimson ;  large  truss. 

White,  with  large  blotch  of 
orange-chocolate ;  fine  form 
and  substance ;  remains  long 
in  bloom,  one  of  the  most 
striking  varieties ;  tender. 
Figured  in  lUus.  Hort.  9, 
t.  317. 

Rose ;  fine  foliage. 

White;  dwarf;  free  blooming; 
tender. 

Salmon-pink,  deeper  edge. 

Bright  rosy-scarlet. 


102 


THE  EHODODENDRON. 


Mrs.  G.  H.  "W".  Heneage 


Mrs.  John  Glutton  . 


Mrs.  John  Waterer  . 
Mrs.  Milner  .... 
Mrs.  Sam  Mendel 


Mrs.  Joseph  Shuttle- 
worth    

Mr3.  R.  S.  Holford  . 


Mrs.  Thomas  Brassey 
Mrs.  Thomas  Wain     . 


Murillo    .     .     . 
Neige  et  Cerise 


Rosy  -  purple,  white  centre, 
fringed ;  remains  long  in 
bloom ;  jDrobably  hardy. 

Splendid  flower  ;  white,  yellow- 
spotted  ;  of  fine  form  and 
substance,  remaining  long  in 
bloom  ;  i^robably  hardy.  Fig- 
m-ed  in  Florist,  September, 
1869. 

Rosy  ~  crimson,  spotted ;  fine 
truss. 

Rich  crimson ;  fine  foliage  and 
flower ;  probably  hardy. 

Clear  rose;  distinct  white  ray 
up  the  centre  of  each  petal, 
and  beautifully  spotted ;  one 
of  Anthony  Waterer's  new 
seedhngs. 

Pale  rose,  intensely  blotched ; 
new. 

Rich  salmon,  a  new  color ;  large 
truss  and  flower;  a  superb 
Rhododendron ;  tender. 

Clear  white,  margined  witk  rosy- 
purple. 

Pale  rose,  deep  brown  blotch ; 
very  beautiful ;  probably 
hardy. 

Rich  crimson. 

Snowy  white,  bordered  with 
rich  carmine ;  very  beauti- 
ful;  tender.  Figured  in  Fl. 
des  Ser.  13,  t.  1391. 


DESCIIIPTIOX    OF   THE   RHODODENDRON.  103 

Neilsoni Rosy -lake;    large   flower  and 

truss. 

Nerkus Light  purple,  dark  spots. 

Nk  Plus  Ultra     .     .     Crimson-purple ;  same  as  Lon- 

DINKNSE. 

Nero Dark  rosy-purple,  richly  spotted; 

fine  form  and  truss  ;  tender. 

NiGRESCENS     ....     Dark  phim-color,  almost  black. 

OcuLissiMUM  ....     Rose,  deeply  marked. 

Old  Port Rich  plum-color. 

Onslowiancm  .  ,  .  Waxy  blush,  yellow  eye;  dis- 
tinct and  fine ;  hardy. 

Ornatusi     .....     Rose;  late  bloomer. 

Ornatissimum  .  .  .  White,  bordered  to  delicate  rose, 
shading  almost  to  purple. 
Figured  in  EIus.  Hort.  14, 
t  530. 

Othello Crimson,  with  mauve  tinge. 

Papilioxaceum  .  .  .  Pale  lilac,  changing  to  white, 
orange  spots. 

Pardoletox  ....  Rosy-lilac,  spotted  ;  precariously 
hardy. 

Paxtoxi Rose,  deeply  spotted ;  precari- 
ously hardy. 

Pelargoxifloru.m  .  .  White,  shaded  pink,  red  spots, 
and  yellowish  lighting.  Fig- 
ured in  Fl.des  Ser.  10, 1. 1063. 

Perfectiox    ....     Blush,  yellow  eye  ;  fine  form. 

Perrieanum    ....     Light  rose,  finely  spotted. 

Perspicuum    ....     AVhite  or  blush. 

PiCTUM White,beautifullyspotted;  same 

as  Lowii. 

Poussix Deep   rosy  -  crimson ;    same   as 

Barclayaxdm. 


104 


THE   RHODODENDRON. 


President    van    den  ~>  Light  rose,  beautifully  spotted  : 

Hecke )       precariously  hardy. 

Prince  Albert  .     .     .     Rich  lake. 
Prince    Camille     de^i  Rose,  deeply  spotted  with  brown- 
RoHAN )       ish-red,  fringed."    Figured  in 

Fl.  desSer.  10,  t.  1073;  and 

Illus.  Hort.  2,  t.  46. 
Prince  Eugene  .     .     .     Blush,  intense  spot  on  the  upper 

petal. 
Princess     Mary     of  i  White    centre,   edge   of  petals 

Cambridge  .     .     .     .  |      rosy-purj^le ;  fine. 
Prince     of    Wales      ')  Brilliant  rose,  shaded  to  purple, 
(Young's) .     .     .     .      j       black  marking  on  the  upper 

petals.     Figured  in  Fl.  Mag. 

pi.  177. 
Princess  of  Wales     .     Creamy  white  centre,  bordered 

with  violet-purple.     Figured 

in  Fl.  des  Ser.  18,  t.  1834-5 
PuRPUREUM  elegans  .     Fine  purple  ;  hardy. 
PuRPUREUii  CRiSPUJi    .     Pui'ijle,  friugcd  ;  hardy. 
PuRPUREUM  GRANDi-      ">  Purple  ;  large  truss  and  flower ; 

florum )       hardy. 

Purity White,  faint  j'ellow  eye. 

Raphael Spotted  crimson ;  large  flower. 

Reedianum     ....     Bright  cherry-red ;  tender. 
Rosabel Pale    rose  ;    fine    foliage    and 

habit ;  probably  hardy. 
RosEUM  ELEGANS     .     .     Rose ;  very  hardy. 
Roseum  grandiflorum    Rose  ;  late  bloomer ;  hardy. 
RosEUM  PiCTUM  .     .     .     Rose,  yellow  eye ;  tender. 
RosEUM  SUPERBUM  .     .     Light    rose ;    large    truss   and 

flower;  hardy. 
R.  S.  Field     ....     Scarlet;    very    fine;    probably 

hardy. 


DESCRIPTION   OF   THE   IlIIODODENDROX. 


105 


Rubens  .... 
Salmono  roseum 


Schiller    .... 

Scipio 

Sheravoodianum     . 
Sidney  IIkkbert    . 


SlGISMUND    RuCKliR       . 

Sir  Charles  Napier 
Sir  Isaac  Neavton  . 
Sir  James  Clark  .  . 
Sir  John  Thwaites  . 


Sir  Robert  Peel  .     . 
Sir  Thomas  Seabright 


Sir     William    Arm- 
strong   

Souvenir     de     Jean  | 
Byls j 


SlMXIOSUM  .      .      . 

Splendens      .     . 
Stamfordianum  . 


Clear  rose;  same  as  Duke  op 

Norfolk. 
Rosy  -  salmon,   deeply   spotted ; 

delicate  and  pretty.     Figured 

in  lUus.  Hort.  12,  t.  437. 
Bluish-purple,  dark  black  spots. 
Rose,  deep  spot. 
Light  rose,  dark  spots. 
Bright  crimson,  with  blotch  of 

black  spots. 
Rich  dark  puce,  new  and  fine. 
Rose,  beautifully  spotted;   fine 

shape. 
Claret -crimson,     shaded      and 

spotted  ;  same  as  Blatteum. 
Dark  crimson,  shaded  with  pur- 
ple. 
Deep  scarlet,  distinctly  blotched 

with  yellow ;  a  new  seedling 

of  Mr.  Waterer's. 
Bright  crimson,  dark  spots. 
Rich    purple,    distinct   bronze 

blotch;    remaining    long    in 

flower. 

Crimson  ;  fine  truss  and  flower. 
Red,      with      yellowish  -  green 

blotch  on   the    u2-)per  petal. 

Figured   in    Illus.    Hort.    9, 

t.  326. 
Light  pink ;  hardy. 
Rose ;  very  good. 
Dark  pink,  with  deep  purple  or 

black  spots.     Figured  in  Fl. 

des  Ser.  14,  t.  1428. 


106 


THE   EHODODENDROX. 


Standard  of  Flanders   Lavender-white,  finely  spotted  ; 

same    as    Lady    Dorotht 

Neville  and  Etendard  de 

Flandres. 
Standishii      ....     Rosy-purple,  spotted. 
Stella Pale  rose,  deep  chocolate  blotch ; 

very    distinct    and     showy; 

probably  hardy. 

Sultana White,  reddi'sh-brown  spots. 

Surprise Lilac,  chocolate  blotch. 

The  Grand  Arab.     .     Brilliant  crimson ;  fine  shape. 
The   Sun   of  Auster-^  Crimson  -  scarlet ;       same      as 

LiTZ )       Brilliant. 

The  Gem Light  blush,  tinged  with  pink. 

The  Queen    ....     Blush,  changing  to  white. 
The  "\Yarrior     .     .     .     Rosy  -  crimson ;    fine   form  and 

foliage. 
Titian Light  rosy-scarlet ;  very  beauti- 
ful ;  tender. 

Towardii Rosy-lilac  ;  beautiful  form. 

Vandyke Rosy  -  crimson ;    late  bloomer  ; 

very  fine  ;  hardy. 
Verschaffeltii.     .     .     Pale     lavender  -  pink,     deeply 

spotted  on  the  upper  petals. 

Figured    in   Illus.    Hort.    9, 

t.  317. 
Vesuvius Crimson  -  scarlet,   black    spots ; 

large  truss. 
Vestitum  coccineuji  .     Very  showy  crimson. 
Victoria  (Pince's)  .     .     Claret-crimson. 

Victoria Plum-color. 

William  Downing      .     Rich  dark  puce,  finely  blotched ; 

remaining  long  in  bloom;  a 

magnificent   plant   in    flower 

and  foliage.     Figured  in  Fl. 

dos  Ser.  17.  t.  7.^4—5. 


DESCRIPTION   OF   THE  RHODODENDUOX.  l07 

The  foregoing  list  is  a  selection  of  the  most 
approved  varieties.  Some  of  thepi  are  new  kinds 
that  have  not  been  proved,  but  which  promise  to 
surpass  all  older  varieties. 

Of  the  list  of  two  hundred  and  forty-six,  we  have 
more  than  one  hundred  now  in  our  garden.  Many 
of  those  marked  "  tender "  have  been  grown  and 
discarded  as  misuited  to  our  climate. 

There  is  probably  not  one  of  the  varieties  men- 
tioned which  could  not  be  successfully  grown  in  the 
open  air  south  of  Philadelphia ;  and  a  large  propor- 
tion would  succeed  further  north. 

With  such  a  collection  to  choose  from,  what  gar- 
den should  be  without  Rhododendrons  ? 

The  following  lists  may  prove  useful  in  select- 
ing :  — 

For  one  Rhododendron,  perfectly  hardy,  and  which 
combines  good  foliage,  fine  flower,  and  free  growing 
and  blooming  habit,  — 

Everestianum. 

For  three  hardy  kinds,  add, — 
Album  grandiflorum  and  Purpureum  grandiflorum. 

For  six,  add, — 

Coriaceum,  Grandiflorum,  and  Roseum  elegans. 

For  twelve,  add, — 

Album  elegans.  Hannibal. 

Lee's  Dark  Purple.  Giganteum. 


Delicatissimura.  Glor 


losum. 


108 


THE  RHODODENDRON. 


For  twenty-four,  add,  ■ 
Purpureum  elegans. 
Roseum  grandiflorum. 
Bicolor. 
Coelestinum. 
INIacranthum. 
Ccelestinum  pictum.  Speciosuin. 

List  of  eighteen  very  fine  Rhododendrons,  which 
will  generally  prove  hardy :  — 


Album. 
Cohimbus. 

Candidissiinum  (Parsons). 
Purpureum  crispum. 
Cunninoiiam's  Dwarf  "VVliite. 


Archimedes. 

Ne  Plus  Ultra. 

Atrosauguineum. 

Onslowiauum. 

Barclayanum. 

Pardoleton. 

Blandyanum. 

Paxtoni. 

Brayanum. 

Rubens. 

Currieanum. 

Standard  of  Flanders. 

Hendersoni. 

Azureum, 

Lefevreanum. 

Coerulescens. 

\ 

Maculatum  purpureum.       Roseum  superbum. 

List  of  twenty-fire 

magnificent  yarieties,  requir- 

ing  cellar  protection  in  winter :  — 

Aclandianum. 

Lord  John  Russell. 

Alarm. 

Maculatum  superbum. 

Broughtoni. 

Minnie. 

Bylsianum. 

Neige  et  Cerise. 

I 

Concessum. 

Nero. 

■    ',1 

Desdemona. 

Pictum. 

Elfrida. 

Princess  Mary  of  Cambridge. 

i 

Fastuosum  fl.  pi. 

Sir  Charles  Napier. 

Fleur  de  Marie. 

Sidney  Herbert. 

Lady  Cathcart. 

Titian. 

i 

Lady  Crossley. 

Towardii. 

Limbatum. 

Vandyck. 

"William  Downing. 

DESCRIPTION   OF  THE  EHODODENDROX. 


109 


List  of  Late  Blooming  Varieties:  — 
Barclayanum.  John  Spencer. 


Hogarth. 

Roseum  grancliflorum. 

Hannibal. 

Francis  Dickson. 


Macuhitum  superbum. 
Orriatum. 
Vandyck. 
William  Downing. 


Macranthum. 
List  of  New  Varieties,  which  will  probably  prove 


hardy :  — 

Caractacus. 
Charles  Bagley. 
Charles  Dickens. 
Guiclo. 

H.  H.  Hunnewell. 
H.  W.  Sargent. 
James  Bateman. 
John  Spencer. 
Lady  Armstrong. 

E.  S. 

List  of  twenty-five  ver 

Barclayanum. 

Brayanum. 

Lord  John  Russell. 

Concessum. 

Ci'uentum. 

Elfrida. 

Fastuosum  fl.  pi. 

H.  W.  Sargent. 

SteUa. 

Lady  Clermont. 

Lady  Frances  Crossley. 

]SIaculatum  superbum. 

Lady 


Lady  Clermont. 
Edward  S.  Rand. 
Mrs.  Heneage. 
Stella. 
Rosabel. 
Purity. 

Mrs.  John  Clutton. 
Mrs.  Milner. 
Mrs.  Wain. 
Field. 

Y  distinct  varieties :  — 

Minnie. 

Mrs-  John  Clutton. 

Mrs.  R.  S.  Holford. 

Neige  et  Cerise- 
Nero. 

Nigrescens. 

Onslowianum. 

President  van  den  Hecke. 

Hannibal. 

Titian- 

Towardii. 

William  Downing. 
Cathcart. 


110  THE    RHODODENDRON. 

List  of  varieties  for  Standards :  — 

Everestianuni.  Brayanum. 

Roseum  elegans.  Victoria. 

Minnie.  Concessum. 

Lady  Catlicart.  Fastuosum  fl.  pi. 

William  Downing.  Archimedes. 

Maculatum  superbum.  Barclayanum. 
Roseum  pictum. 


PART    III. 

OTHER    "AMERICAN    PLANTS. 


PART    III. 

OTHER   "AMERICAN    PLANTS." 


'T^HE  greater  part  of  the  plants  enumerated  in 
-■-  this  portion  of  our  work  belong  to  the  same 
natural  family  as  the  Rhododendron  (Ericaceae), 
and  thrive  best  with  the  same  treatment.  In  Eng- 
lish catalogues  they  are  included  under  the  general 
name  of  "American  plants;"  and,  although  some 
are  not  natives  of  America,  we  adopt  the  popular 
name  as  most  familiar. 

They  are  especially  adapted  for  combination  with 
Rhododendrons,  and  afford  a  wide  range  of  color 
in  bloom,  and  a  great  variety  of  foliage.  Among 
them  we  find  many  plants  combining  symmetry  of 
form,  beauty  and  fragrance  of  flower,  and  easy  cul- 
ture. Some  are  rarely  seen ;  but  all  are  easily 
obtained,  and  well  repay  the  care  necessary  to  have 
them  in  perfection. 

The  Azalea. 

This  genus  is  nearly  related  to  Rhododendron, 
and  indeed  by  some  botanists  lias  been  included  in 


114  OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS. 

it.     Early  volumes  of  some  illustrated  horticultural 
works  figure  all  Azaleas  as  Rhododendrons. 

The  genus  Azalea  has  also  been  extended  by  other 
botanists  so  as  to  include  many  plants  which  the 
best  authorities  now  give  to  other  genera.  As  now 
defined,  the  genus  is  confined  to  about  twenty 
species,  natives  of  Asia  and  North  America,  all 
shrubs,  mostly  with  large  showy  flowers,  which, 
both  from  their  beauty  and  fragrance,  are  popular 
ornaments  of  our  gardens  and  shrubberies. 

The  tender  species  are  well-known .  greenhouse 
plants,  and  both  these  and  the  hardy  kinds  have  in 
cultivation  developed  many  very  beautiful  varieties. 

Those  that  are  hardy  thrive  best  in  Rhododendron 
soil,  and  need  the  same  general  culture  as  prescribed 
for  Rhododendrons.  They  grow  freely,  flower  pro- 
fusely, and  need  only  to  be  kept  from  drought  to  do 
well.  They  are  all  deciduous,  and  therefore,  where 
a  mass  of  foliage  is  wanted  for  the  winter,  should 
not  be  mixed  with  Rhododendrons.  We  prefer  to 
plant  them  in  masses  by  themselves  ;  although  when 
in  bloom,  and  during  the  summer,  they  combine 
well  with  other  American  plants.  As  specimens 
and  standards,  they  are  very  handsome ;  always 
blooming  well,  and  forming  a  conspicuous  feature  in 
the  garden.  All  the  species  are  propagated  easily 
by  inarching,  grafting,  or  by  cuttings  of  the  half- 
]"ipened  shoots,  which  root  readily  under  a  bell- 
glass  in  sandy  peat.  The  hardy  kinds  are  also 
increased  by  layers,  in  the  same  manner  as  Rhodo- 
dendrons. New  varieties  are  obtained  from  seed,  ~ 
which  should  be  sown  in  sandy  peat,  as  directed  for 
Rhododendrons. 


OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS.  115 

The  tender  species  are  evergreen  plants,  requiring 
the  protection  of  a  cool  greenhouse  in  Avinter.  In 
summer  they  should  be  set  out  of  doors,  in  a  par- 
tially shaded  situation. 

All  the  species  bear  pruning  well,  and  may  be 
cut  to  any  required  shape.  In  habit  they  vary 
greatly,  some  naturally  being  of  fine  form,  and 
others  requiring  severe  pruning.  The  foliage  is  not 
ornamental,  being  usually  dull  or  rusty  green ;  but 
when  in  bloom  the  plants  are  such  a  mass  of  flower 
that  the  leaves  are  not  noticed. 

For  forcing  in  the  greenhouse,  all  the  species  are 
well  adapted ;  and  there  are  no  better  or  more  easily 
grown  parlor  plants  than  the  varieties  of  tender 
Azaleas. 

Many  hybrids  have  been  produced  by  fertilization 
between  the  Azalea  and  the  Rhododendron.  Many 
of  these  we  have  already  described :  they  vary 
greatly  in  habit,  foliage,  and  flower,  according  as 
they  partake  of  the  nature  of  either  parent.  The 
number  is  very  large,  and  is  yearly  increasing. 
The  species  are  :  — 

Azalea  arborescens. 

A.  tall  shrub,  native  of  the  Middle  and  Southern 
States,  with  large,  fragrant,  rose-colored  flowers. 
The  foliage  is  smooth  above,  glaucous  below,  and 
ornamental.  The  flowers  appear  in  June,  after  the 
leaves. 

We  have  been  unable  to  find  a  figure  of  this 
species. 


116  OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS. 


Azalea  nudiflora. 

A  well-known  shrub,  native  of  swamps,  from 
Massachusetts  southward ;  producing  a  profusion  of 
showy  flowers,  which  vary  much  in  color,  early  in 
May. 

The  common  names  are  Wild  Honeysuckle  and 
Pinxter  Flower,  the  latter  from  its  blooming  about 
Whit-Sunday. 

The  flowers  appear  before  the  leaves,  often  in 
snch  abundance  as  to  cover  the  whole  plant.  In 
the  wild  state  they  are  found  of  every  shade,  from 
purple  to  blush-white.  Seedlings  vary  greatly,  and 
in  cultivation  numerous  hybrids  have  been  produced, 
affording  a  wide  range  of  color. 

The  following  varieties  of  this  species  are  very 
fine :  Versicolor,  do,  grandiflora,  mirahilis,  carnea 
delicatissima,  colorata,  incmmata  superba,  coccinea, 
do.  major,  incana,  Coburg-hii.  All  have  scarlet, 
pink,  or  blush  flowers,  and  are  perfectly  hardy. 

Azalea  viscosa. 

This  species  is  ^the  well-known  "  Swamp  Honey 
suckle,"  so  common  in  low  swamps,  damp,  shady 
"woods,  and  by  road-sides. 

It  forms  a  tall  shrub,  with  dark  green  leaves, 
and  bears  in  the  latter  part  of  June  and  July  an 
abundance  of  clammy,  white,  deliciously  fragrant 
flowers,  sometimes  tinged  with  deep  rose. 

It  thrives  in  cultivation,  not  requiring  a  wet  soil, 
but  growing  and  blooming  freely  if  the  roots  are 


OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS.  117 

not  allowed  to  dry  up.  From  its  fragrance  and  late 
blooming,  it  is  a  desirable  plant.  There  are  nu- 
merous varieties,  and  this  species  is  the  parent  of 
many  hybrids.     All  are  hardy. 

Some  of  the  best  are  :  rtibescens,  do.  grandijlora, 
Jlonbunda,  pcnicillata,  do.  picta. 

Azalea- GLAUCA 

Is  only  a  variety  of  A.  viscosa,  with  pale  glaucous 
foliage ;  not  uncommon. 

Azalea  nitida 

Is  also"  a  variety  of  A.  viscosa,  of  dwarf  habit, 
with  dark  green,  shining  leaves,  and  white,  clammy 
flowers,  tinged  with  pink. 

Azalea  calendulacea. 

A  shrub,  growing  from  five  to  ten  feet  high,  with 
hairy  leaves  and  large,  flame-colored  or  orange,  scent- 
less flowers  ;  native  of  the  Middle  and  Southern 
States.  It  is  common  in  gardens,  is  hardy,  and 
flowers  freely  in  May,  the  blossoms  appearing  with 
the  leaves.  There  are  many  varieties,  of  which  we 
may  mention :  Morterii,  fulgida,  calendulacea  coc- 
cinea,  do.  crocea,  do.  eleg-ans,  do.  ezimia,  do.  flam- 
mea,  do.  siiperba,  ig-nescens,   triumphans. 

Azalea  pontic  a. 

A  native  of  Asia  Minor  and  the  Caucasus,  form- 
ing a  tall  shrub,  with  bright  yellow  flowers  in  the 


118  OTHER    AMERICAN   PLANTS. 

species,  which  in  the  numerous  varieties  are  found 
of  every  shade,  from  yellow  to  copper  or  orange, 
white  or  striped. 

This  species  seeds  freely  ;  and  from  it,  by  hybrid- 
izing with  the  American  species,  innumerable  seed- 
lings have  been  raised.  Much  attention  has  been 
paid  to  thus  crossing  the  species  in  Belgium, 
especially  in  the  neigliborhood  of  Ghent ;  whence 
all  hardy  Azaleas  have  come  to  be  known  as  "  Bel- 
gian, or  Ghent  Azaleas." 

These  seedlings  are  generally  hardy,  although 
some  of  the  lighter-colored  varieties  have  proved 
tender  with  us ;  and  some  lose  their  flower-buds  in 
severe  winters,  although  the  wood  is  not  injured. 

Some  of  the  best  varieties  referred  to  this 
species  are:  ardens,  aurantia,  do.  major,  Candida, 
coronaria,  cuprea,  pontica  alba,  carnea,  compacta, 
conspicua,  delicatissima,  grandiflora,  grandidis- 
sinia,  imperialis,  mutabilis,  midtijiora  pallida,  ma- 
crantha,  princeps,  sulphurea,  do.  g-randijiora,  do.  do. 
nova. 

There  are  innumerable  other  hybrid  varieties  m 
nurserymen's  catalogues,  and  every  year  gives  us  an 
increased  number. 

To  the  above  lists  we  may  add,  as  desirable; 
Adelaide,  alta-clarense,  aurea  speciosa  and  grandi- 
flora,  Cliveana,  aiitumnalis,  concirma,  decits  horto- 
rum,  elegantissima.  Napoleon  III.,  flammeola 
incarnata,  fama,  gloriosa,  31arie  Verschaffelt,  nitens, 
Ne  Plus  Ultra,  ornata  rosea,  prcenHens,  violce 
odorata. 


OTHEE    AMERICAN    PLANTS.  Hi) 

Those  wlio  arc  not  fomiliar  with  the  flower  will 
find  iiiie  varieties  figured  in  Bot.  j\[ag.  28,  t.  27,  17, 
t.  1402,  31,  t.  51-60,  16,  t.  1366-67  ;  Illus.  Hort. 
t.  75,  209,  415 ;  Fl.  des  Scrres,  1298,  1306-7. 

Mr.  Anthony  Watercr,  of  the  Knap  Hill  Nursery, 
near  Woking,  Surrey,  England,  has  been  very  suc- 
cessful in  raising  seedling  Azaleas,  and  within  the 
past  few  years  has  produced  some  varieties  which 
are  far  superior  to  any  before  raised.  This  has 
been  accomplished  by  crossing  the  best  hardy  kinds 
with  Azalea  siiioisi^,  a  Chinese  species,  with  large, 
golden,  Rhododendron4ike  flowers. 

These  new  varieties  are  thus  described  in  Mr. 
Waterer's  catalogue  of  the  present  year :  — 

Amcena Delicate   rose,   with   rich   buff 

spot. 

Bessie  Holdaway      .     Bright  rose,  clear  bronze  spot. 

CuPREA Coppery  -  orange,  shaded    with 

salmon. 

FcLGiDA Bright  fiery-orange,  deej^er   in 

the  centre. 

Nancy  TVaterer  .  .  The  finest  of  all  the  yellows, 
rich  and  deep  in  color ;  large 
in  size  and  perfect  in  form. 

OcHUOLEUCA  ....  Pale  straw-color,  with  golden 
spot. 

Primulina       ....     Delicate  primrose-yellow. 

PuLCHRA Shaded  rose,  with  orange  blotch. 

Sinensis  rosea  .     .     .     Pale,  shaded  rose. 

Straminea  ....  An  extremely  delicate  tint  of 
,       straw-color. 

SuLPHUREA  ....  Sulphur-yellow,  with  deep  yel- 
low blotch. 


120  OTHER   AMERICAN    PLANTS. 

Figures  of  Nancy  Waterer  and  Bessie  Holdawav 
are  given  in  the  "  Florist  "  for  May,  1869. 

Double  Hardy  Azaleas. 

These  are  very  beautiful  and  desirable,  as  they 
are  very  showy  and  remain  long  in  bloom. 

They  are  perfectly  hardy,  having  stood  the  last 
four  winters  with  us ;  grow  freely  and  flower 
abundantly. 

The  varieties  are:  Maja,  Van  Houtte,  Ophire, 
Dr.  Strcitcr,  Heroine,  Bartolo  Lazaris,  Narcissiflora, 
Leibnitz,  Graaf  von  Mcran. 

Azalea  amcena. 

This  is  a  charming  little  Chinese  species,  usually 
•grown  as  a  greenhouse  plant,  but  perfectly  hardy. 

The  flowers  are  purple,  produced  in  the  "  hose  in 
hose  "  form,  in  gardening  parlance  ;  that  is,  with  a 
double  corolla.  The  plant  was  found  by  Mr.  For- 
tune, near  Shanghac,  and,  as  we  have  it  in  cultiva 
tion,  is  evidently  a  garden  variety  of  some  unknown 
species.  The  flower  resembles  that  of  Rhododen- 
dron dauricum,  and,  like  that,  is  produced  in  very 
early  spring,  almost  top  early  with  us.  The  foliage 
is  evergreen. 

Figured  in  Pax.  Fl.  G.  pi.  89 ;  Lem.  Jar.  4,  t.  329  ; 
Bot.  Mag.  79,  t.  4728. 

Azalea  sinensis. 

A  Chinese  species,  vnth  large,  yellow-orange  flow- 
ers, to  which  we  have  already  had  occasion  to  refer 


OTHER    AMERICAN    PLANTS.  121 

as  one  of  the  parents  of  the  liybrid  yellow  Rliodo- 
dendrons,  and  of  Mr.  Waterer's  new  hardy  Azaleas. 
The  flowers  are  scentless,  and  only  resemble  those 
of  A.  pontica  in  color.     A  very  showy  plant. 
Figured  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  885. 

Variety  alba,  with  white  flowers,  is  figured  in 
nius.  Hort.  t.  563. 

Azalea  squamata. 

A  Chinese  species,  with  small,  lavender-pm-ple 
flowers,  with  crimson  spots,  produced  before  the 
leaves ;  probably  not  hardy. 

t.  3     . 

Azalea  obtusa. 

Also  a  Chinese  species,  with  small,  deep -red 
spotted  flowers  and  evergreen  foliage.  The  flowers 
are  fragrant.  Coming  from  the  north  of  China  it 
may  be  hardy. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Reg.  32,  t.  37. 

Azalea  ledi folia. 

This  si)ecies,  also  known  as  Azalea  indica  alba, 
is  the  Avcll-known  white  Azalea  of  our  greenhouses. 
The  foliage  is  rough,  small,  and  not  ornamental ; 
the  flowers  large,  white,  and  fragrant.  It  is  the 
parent  of  innumerable  varieties,  which  are  far 
superior  to  the  parent. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  2901. 


122  OTHER   AMERICAN    PLANTS. 

The  purple  Azalea,  generally  known  as  A.  phm- 
nicea,  is  a  variety  of  this  species. 
Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  3239. 

Azalea  indica. 

This  species  is  the  parent  of  all  the  so-called 
"  greenhouse  Azaleas."  It  is  a  native  of  China 
and  Japan,  with  very  showy  scarlet,  red,  or  white 
flowers ;  but  has  sported  into  numerous  varieties, 
some  of  which  are  among  the  most  attractive  of 
greenhouse  plants.     None  of  them  are  hardy. 

Those  who  are  not  familiar  with  this  flower  will 
find  very  beautiful  figures  of  fine  varieties  in  Floral 
Mag.  pi.  63,  59,  25,  39, 14,  113, 104, 193,  231,  201, 
268,  303,  395 ;  Illus.  Hort.  t.  8,  20,  38,  65;  90,  130, 
136,  170,  178,  182,  267,  302,  288,  340,  342,  428, 
478,  512  ;  Fl.  -des  Ser.  1. 1618-22, 1654, 1572, 1567, 
1365,  1334,  1301-2-3,  1060,  1180,  1157,  1243 ; 
Hen.  Illus.  Bou.  pi.  23. 

Azalea  ovata. 

A  small,  pretty  species,  with  pale  purple  flowers, 
and  small,  shining  green  foliage ;  native  of  China. 
Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  5064. 

Azalea  occidentalis 

Is  the  Californian  species.  The  flowers  are  large, 
white,  marked  with  yellow ;  a  very  showy  plant,  and 
probably  hardy. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  5005 ;  and  Fl.  des  Ser. 
14,  t.  1432. 


OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS.  123 


The  Rhodora. 

There  is  but  one  species  of  this  genus,  R.  cana- 
densis; a  low,  deciduous  shrub,  not  uncommon  in 
New  England,  and  often  found  so  plentifully  as  to 
cover  acres. 

The  leaves  are  deciduous ;  the  flowers  of  every 
shade  from  purple  to  pure  white,  blooming  in  clus- 
ters, before  the  leaves,  in  early  May. 

It  is  a  pretty  plant,  readily  obtained,  of  easy 
culture j  and  does  well  in  any  moist  loam. 

It  thrives  wonderfully  in  a  Rhododendron -bed, 
and  is  well  worthy  of  the  position  from  its  showy, 
abundant,  and  early  bloom. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  14,  t.  474. 

The  Loiseleuria. 

The  only  species  is  L.  procumbens,  sometimes 
known  as  Azalea  procumbens.  It  is  a  small, 
evergreen  shrub,  a  native  of  high  latitudes,  on 
mountains,  both  in  this  country  and  Europe.  The 
flowers  are  small,  white  or  pink,  in  terminal 
clusters. 

It  would  probably  do  well  on  the  border  of  a 
Rhododendron-bed. 

Figured  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  762 ;  Bax.  Brit.  Bot.  6, 
t.  463. 

The  Kalmia. 

These  well-known  plants,  the  "  Mountain  Laurel " 
of  our  woods,  are  fit  companions  for  Rhododendrons, 


124  OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS. 

thriving  under  the  same  treatment,  and  harmonizing 
well  with  them,  both  in  foliage  and  flower. 

Their  culture  is  very  simple,  being  only  to  plant 
them  in  moist  soil,  and  leave  them  to  grow.  While 
they  will  bear  pruning,  they  seldom  need  it;  for,  if 
not  crowded,  they  form  symmetrical  bushes  them- 
selves. They  are  propagated  by  layers  or  from  seed, 
in  the  same  manner  as  Ehododendrons. 

They  are  perfectly  hardy,  although  in  exposed 
situations  the  foliage  sometimes  gets  browned  in 
winter. 

No  insect  attacks  them,  and  they  are  subject  to  no 
diseases. 

A  mass  of  the  large-flowered  Kalmia  in  full  bloom 
is  a  beautiful  sight,  and  the  smaller  species  are  all 
attractive  and  pretty. 

No  words  can  describe  the  beauty  of  this  plant 
on  the  mountains  of  the  Middle  States,  where  it 
covers  acres,  and  sheets  whole  hillsides  with  pink 
and  white.  Even  in  New  England  there  are  places 
where  it  grows  in  great  abundance,  but  it  does  not 
flower  as  freely  as  further  south. 

The  plant  is  popularly  known  as  "  Mountain 
Laurel,"  in  distinction  from  the  "  Great  Laurel  " 
(^Rhododendron  maximuvi) ;  also  as  "  Spoonwood  " 
and  "  Calico  Bush." 

The  common  small  species  is  called  Sheep  Laurel, 
or  Lambkill. 

The  foliage  of  all  the  species  is  evergreen,  but 
only  in  Kalmia  latifolia  is  ornamental. 


OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS.  125 


Kalmia  LATIFOLIA. 


This  is  the  most  showy  species,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  ornamental  of  our  indigenous  plants.  It  is  a 
tall  shrub,  sometimes  attaining  the  height  of  ten 
feet.  In  cultivation,  however,  it  is  seldom  more 
than  half  that  height,  and  grows  thick  and  bushy. 
The  foliage  is  dark  shining  green,  large  and  orna- 
mental. 

The  flowers  vary  from  pure  white  to  deep  pink, 
and  thus  constitute  the  varieties  of  some  nursery 
catalogues.  Seedlings  vary  much  •  in  size  of  the 
flower,  in  floriferous  qualities,  and  in  form  of  the 
corymbs  of  bloom ;  some  bearing  close,  compact 
masses,  others  having  them  very  loose  and  straggling. 

Although  a  native  of  our  w^oods,  the  cheapest 
and  easiest  mode  of  procuring  plants  is  to  import 
them  from  England,  where  they  are  raised  from  seed 
in  large  quantities.  Nice,  bushy  plants,  about  a  foot 
high,  cost  only  twenty-five  dollars  per  hundred 
landed  here,  and,  as  they  grow  rapidly,  soon  form 
large  plants. 

Kalmias  mass  well  w4th  Rhododendrons,  and,  as 
they  bloom  somewhat  later,  serve  to  keep  up  the 
period  of  bloom  in  the  bed.  AVe  prefer  them,  how- 
ever, as  specimen  plants,  or  in  clumps  by  them- 
selves. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  5,  pi.  175  ;  Michaux,  Arb.  3, 
pi.  5  ;  Big.  Med.  pi.  13. 

Variety  myrtifolia  is  a  dwarf -growing  plant, 
with  small,  shining  leaves ;  very  pretty  for  the  bor- 
ders of  beds. 


126  OTHER   AMERICAN    PLANTS. 


Kalmia  ANGUSTIFOLIA 

Is  by  no  meaiis  a  popular  plant,  from  the  foliage 
being  poisonous  to  sheep ;  whence  the  oommon  name 
of  "  Lambkill."  It  is,  howe\er,  very  pretty,  and 
improves  greatly  on  acquaintance.  The  foliage  is 
narrow,  dull  green,  glaucous  below,  and  not  orna- 
mental. The  flowers  vary  from  pale  pink  to  the 
deepest  red. 

By  a  little  search  in  the  fields  in  the  season  of 
bloom,  many  varieties,  differing  greatly  in  color, 
foliage,  and  growth,  may  be  obtained.  The  plant  is 
too  pretty  to  be  neglected,  and  were  it  less  common 
would  be  highly  esteemed. 

Planted  on  the  border  of  a  Rhododendron-bed,  it 
increases  rapidly  by  suckers,  and  never  fails  to 
flower  freely. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  10,  t.  331 ;  and  in  Lodd. 
Cab.  pi.  502. 

Kalmia  glauca. 

A  charmingly  pretty  species,  and  the  earliest  to 
bloom,  the  flowers  expanding  in  early  May.  The 
foliage  is  narrow,  evergreen,  whitish  below ;  the 
flowers  large,  rose-colored,  in  terminal  corymbs. 

While  in  its  native  bogs,  the  plant  is  a  low,  strag- 
gling shrub. 

We  receive  it  from  England  in  neat,  pretty,  sym- 
metrical plants,  which  always  come  out  of  the  cases 
in  full  bloom.  It  is  not  so  easy  of  culture  as  the 
other  species,  and  is  very  liable  to  die  off. 


OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS.  127 

The  varieties  siricta,  snperba,  and  rosmarinifolia, 
only  differ  from  the  species  in  size  and  color  of 
flower,  or  in  foliage. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  5,  t.  177 ;  Lodd.  Can. 
t.  1508. 

Kalmia  hirsuta. 

This  species  is  a  native  of  pine  barren  swamps  of 
the  Southern  States.  The  foliage  is  small ;  the  flow- 
ers large,  rose-colored,  solitary,  produced  in  the  axils 
of  the  leaves.  Tliis  plant  would  probably  prove  of 
difficult  cultivation  and  be  tender  in  the  Northern 
States. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  4,  t.  138 ;  Lodd.  Cab. 
t.  1058. 


Kalmia  cltveata. 

This  species,  which  is  a  native  of  the  mountains 
of  Carolina,  we  have  never  seen.  It  is  said  to  be 
deciduous ;  and  to  bear  white  flowers,  red  at  the 
bottom,  in  few-flowered,  lateral  corymbs. 

The  Ledum. 

This  plant,  familiarly  known  as  "  Labrador  Tea," 
is  by  no  means  uncommon  in  low  mountain  bogs. 
The  foliage  is  rusty,  pleasantly  fragrant;  the  flowers 
in  large,  terminal  clusters,  white  and  very  showy. 
All  the  species  thrive  on  the  borders  of  Rhododen- 
dron-beds, for  which  place  their  low  growth  adapts 


128  OTHER   AMERICAN    PLANTS. 

them.     They  bloom  in  May,  and  flower  freely  and 
regularly.     All  are  perfectly  hardy. 

Ledum  palustre. 

A  low  shrub,  with  linear  leaves  with  revolute 
margins  ;  flowers  white.  A  native  of  Canada  and 
the  north  of  Europe. 

Figured  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  560  ;  Bax.  Brit.  Bot.  6. 
p.  508. 

L.  DECUMBENS  is  a  prostrate  variety  from  the  far 
North. 

Ledum  latifolium. 

Altogether  a  largqr  plant  in  every  way.  Leaves 
broad ;  flowers  large,  white.  The  most  showy  spe- 
cies, and  well  worth  cultivating. 

Figured  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  534. 

We  have  in  our  garden  a  plant  received  under  the 
name  of  Ledum  angustifoUum,  which  seems  to  be 
intermediate  between  these  two  species. 

L.  canadense,  figured  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  10-19,  does 
not  appear  to  differ  in  flower  from  other  species. 

The  plants  sometimes  known  as  L.  buxifoUum  and 
thymifolium  are  now  referred  to  Leiophyllum. 

The  Leiophyllum. 

A  charming  little  evergreen,  with  small,  shining 
leaves,  somewhat  resembling  a  myrtle ;  whence  the 
popular  name,  "  Sand  Myrtle." 


OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS.  129 

The  only  species  is  L.  buxffoUum,  a  native  of  l\c\v 
Jersey  and  southward,  but  perfectly  hardy  with  us 
at  Glen  Ridge. 

The  flowers  are  small,  white,  or  tinged*  with  pink 
on  the  ends  of  the  branches,  in  close  corymbs,  and 
in  the  latter  part  of  May  completely  cover  the  plant. 
At  other  seasons  the  evergreen  foliage  is  very  neat 
and  pretty.  A  border  of  this  plant  around  a  mass 
of  Rhododeudons,  Kalmias,  or  Azaleas,  is  very 
effective. 

FigTired  in  Lodd.  Cab.  52,  as  Ledum  huxifolium. 

The  plant  known  as  L.  thymifolium  is  a  variety, 
with  smaller  foliage,  equally  ornamental  and  desir- 
able.    This  plant  is  also  known  as  Ammyrsine. 

The  Menziesia. 

A  genus  of  small  shrubs,  not  very  ornamental,  but 
desirable  in  a  collection.  The  foliage  is  deciduous, 
and  resembles  that  of  an  Azalea ;  the  flowers  are 
small,  greenish-white  or  brownish-purple. 

The  species  is  M.  ferriiginea^  a  native  of  North- 
western America,  of  which  the  variety  ghhularis  is 
found  plentifully  on  mountains  in  Virginia. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  38,  t.  1571 ;  and  the  variety 
in  Hook.  Bor.  Am.  132. 

The  Phyllodoce. 

The  plant  known  in  florist's  catalogues  as  Menziesia 
coerulea  is  a  charming  little  plant,  resembling  a  Heath 
both  in  foliage  and  flower ;  a  native  of  North-western 

G* 


130  OTHER  AMEKICAN   PLANTS. 

America,  of  the  White  Mountains,  and  some  parts 
of  Em^ope.  It  is  very  ornamental,  and  will  thrive 
in  cool,  moist  soil.  The  flowers  are  bluish-purple^ 
nodding,  and  charmingly  pretty.  The  proper  name 
of  the  plant  is  Phyllodoce  taxifolia.  There  is  also 
another  species,  P.  or  M.  empetnformis,  with  pale 
red  flowers. 

See  figures  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  164,  and  Bot.  Mag. 
t.  3176. 

The  species  of  I>abo£cia,  pretty  heath-like  plants 
with  showy  flowers,  but  not  hardy  with  us,  are  some- 
times called  Menzietia. 

The  Calluna. 

This  plant,  the  "  Heather  "  of  Europe,  is  hardy 
enough  to  endure  our  winters.  Blooming  in  July, 
when  flowers  are  not  plenty,  it  forms  a  most  attrac- 
tive border  to  a  clump  of  evergreens.  The  plant  is 
low-growing,  with  heath-like  foliage,  and  when  in 
bloom  is  a  mass  of  flower.  The  species  C.  vulgaris 
is  a  native  of  Europe,  but  has  been  found  growing 
wild  near  Boston,  the  locality  being  such  as  to  leave 
little  doubt  as  to  its  being  indigenous.  The  flowers 
are  rose-colored ;  but  there  are  garden  varieties  of 
every  shade  from  red  to  white,  one  mtli  double  flow- 
ers and  one  with  golden  foliage.  All  these  are 
easily  grown  along  th'e  borders  of  Rhododendron- 
beds,  and  with  a  slight  covering  of  pine-needles  in 
winter  escape  entirely  uninjured. 

They  can  be  imported  for  about  three  dollars  a 
dozen. 

Figured  in  Eng.  Bot.  15,  t.  1013 ;  and  in  Bax. 
Brit.  Bot.  1,  t.  76. 


OTHER  AMERICAN   PLANTS.  131 


The  Gypsocallis. 


The  hardiest  of  the  "  Heaths,"  as  the  plant  is 
always  found  in  catalogues  as  Erica  herhacea.  It  is 
a  native  of  Central  Europe,  but  with  us  has  proved 
hardy  in  all  exposures,  the  only  care  taken  being  to 
cover  the  plant  with  pine-needles  in  winter ;  as  in 
our  experience,  while  no  degree  of  cold  injured  the 
plant,  the  flower-buds  were  killed  when  the  mercury 
fell  below  zero.  The  species  to  which  we  specially 
refer  is  G.  carnea.  This  little  plant  is  low-growing, 
like  the  Heather ;  and,  like  it,  is  suited  for  the  bor- 
ders of  Rhododendron-beds.  It  blooms  in  the  early 
days  of  spring,  opening  its  flowers  with  the  crocuses 
in  April,  and  giving  to  the  bees  the  first  promise  of 
summer. 

The  flowers  are  pale  red  or  whitish,  and  com- 
pletely cover  the  plant.  By  growing  it  in  every 
position,  from  very  sunny  to  very  shady,  a  succes- 
sion of  bloom  may  be  obtained  for  weeks.  We 
regard  this  as  one  of  the  most  valuable  of  spring 
flowers. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  11 ;  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  1452. 

The  other  species  of  Gypsocallis  are  not  hardy  iu 
New  England,  although  thej-  are  often  grown  as 
greenhouse  plants. 

The  Cassiope. 

C.  hypnoides  is  a  rarely  beautiful  plant,  with  moss- 
like foliage  and  lovely  red  and  white  flowers.     It  is 


132  OTHER    AMERICAN   PLANTS. 

a  native  of  Lapland  and  Siberia,  and  is  found  on  the 
tops  of  the  mountains  of  New  England. 

Although  hardy,  it  is  very  difficult  of  cultivation : 
the  best  place  for  it  would  be  in  a  shady  bed  of 
sandy  peat. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  2936. 

Another  species,  C.  tetragona,  also  a  native  of 
higli  northern  latitudes,  is  very  difficult  to  keep 
in  cultivation.  It  is  a  beautiful  plant,  with  large, 
drooping,  white,  bell-shaped  flowers. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  3181. 

•    These  plants  were  formerly  known  as  Andromeda. 
There  are  other  species  not  in  cultivation. 

The  Arctostaphylos. 

A  small,  trailing  plant,  very  generally  distributed 
over  America  and  Europe.  The  common  name  is 
"  Bearberry."  The  flowers  are  small,  white,  tinged 
with  red,  very  pretty;  tlie  leaves  small,  box-like, 
evergreen.  It  does  well  in  peat,  or  will  thrive  in 
any  sandy  loam,  and  is  a  good  plant  for  rock- work. 

Figured  in  Wood.  Med.  Bot.  t.  70;  Bax.  Brit. 


A.  alpina  is  a  deciduous  species,  with  pure  white 
flowers  and  black  berries ;  a  native  of  high  moun- 
tains, both  in  Europe  and  America.  Like  the  last, 
the  stems  are  trailing ;  and  it  is  a  suitable  plant  for 
covering  the  ground. 

Figured  in  Eng.  Bot.  t.  2030. 


OTHER  AMERICAN   PLANTS.  132 

A.  glauca  is  the  "Mazancta"  of  California,  and 
varies  in  size  from  a  tall  shrub  in  the  low  country 
to  a  very  low  creeping  bush  far  up  above  the  snow- 
line. The  flowers  arc  pink  and  very  handsome,  the 
foliage  clear  glaucous  green,  the  bush  red.  Alto- 
gether the  plant  is  very  ornamental,  and  if  hardy 
will  prove  a  great  addition  to  our  shrubbery.  We 
liave  plants  sent  from  California  now  on  trial. 

The  Epig/EA. 

'  There  is  but  one  species,  E.  repens,  the  "  Trail- 
ing Arbutus,"  "  Ground  Laurel,"  or  "  May  Flower," 
almost  too  well  known  to  need  description.  Neat 
in  habit  and  foliage,  deliciously  fragrant  in  flower, 
and  blooming  at  a  season  when  it  is  especially  attrac- 
tive, this  charming  .plant  is  seldom  found  in  cultiva- 
tion. We  are  told  '"  it  cannot  be  grown  in  gardens," 
yet  nothing  is  easier. 

Obtain  good  plants,  either  from  the  woods  or  by 
unportation,  in  early  spring,  or  any  time  after  Au- 
gust; plant  them  in  your  Rhododendron-bed,  and 
your  work  is  done.  They  will  increase,  carpet  the 
ground,  give  you  flower  year  after  year,  and  ask 
you  for  no  attention. 

There  is  not  in  the  whole  floral  kingdom  a  more 
attractive  flower,  and  it  loses  none  of  its  wild-wood 
beauty  when  we  take  it  to  our  homes. 

The  flowers  vary  much  in  size  and  color,  and,  in 
planting,  the  largest  and  most  highly  colored  should 
be  selected.     Plants  may  also  be  raised  from  seed. 

Figured  in  And.  Bot.  Rep.  102;  Lodd.  Cab.  t. 
201 ;  Sweet,  Fl.  G.  2,  t.  384. 


134  OTHER  AMERICAN  PLANTS. 


The  Gaultheria. 


A  genus  of  low,  shrubby  plants,  with  neat  flow- 
ers and  showy  berries,  particularly  adapted  for  cov- 
ering the  surface  of  the  ground,  or  for  planting  under 
trees,  where  little  else  will  grow.  They  need  no 
special  culture  beyond  being  planted  in  sandy  peat, 
or  open  loamy  soil ;  and  propagate  readily  by  suckers. 

Gaultheria  procumbens. 

This  pretty  little  species  is  the  well-known  "  Check- 
erberry  "  of  our  woods,  and  produces  the  aromatic 
red  berries  so  often  seen  in  the  markets.  The  stem 
is  slender,  creeping,  never  more  than  a  few  inches 
high.  The  leaves  are  evergreen,  shining,  and 
strongly  aromatic  to  the  taste ;  the  flowers  are 
pinkish-white,  nodding.  This  plant  is  especially 
suitable  for  covering  the  surface  of  Rhododendron- 
beds,  and  is  ornamental  in  foliage,  flower,  and  fruit. 
The  best  way  is  to  transplant  them  from  the  woods. 
A'  few  set  here  and  there  will  rapidly  spread  and 
cover  the  surface,  doing  no  injury  to  the  larger 
plants. 

Figured  in  And.  Rep.  2,  t.  116 ;  Bot.  Mag.  45,  t. 
1966 ;  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  82 ;  Barton,  Med.  15 ;  Big. 
Med.  22. 

Gaultheria  Shallon. 

A  fine  species  from  the  north-western  coast  of 
America.  The  leaves  are  large,  coarse,  dull  green; 
the  flowers  pinkish-white,  very  showy ;  the  berries 
purplish-black,  edible. 


OTHER   AMERICAN  PLANTS.  135 

This  plant  in  its  native  liabitat  grows  in  dense 
forests,  and  is  thus  adapted  for  planting  under  the 
shade  of  trees.  In  height  it  varies  from  a  few 
inches  to  two  feet,  but  is  usually  very  low-growing, 
creeping  along  the  surface  and  increasing  rapidly  by 
underground  stems. 

We  are  sorry  to  say  that  this  beautiful  species  lias 
not  proved  hardy  with  us  at  Glen  Ridge  :  of  a  large 
nmnber  of  plants  set  out  a  few  years  since,  only  a 
few  survive,  and  these  are  in  bad  health.  For  some 
years  they  grew,  flowered,  and  fruited  freely ;  but  a 
winter  when  the  mercury  fell  to  ten  degrees  below 
zero  "was  too  severe  for  them,  although  a  covermg 
of  pine-needles  woiild  probably  have  'saved  them. 
We  strongly  advise  the  introduction  and  extensive 
planting  of  this  species.  Plants  can  be  bought  in 
England  for  a  shilling  each  :  thev  transplant  easily  ; 
and  wherever  they  prove  hardy,  they  will  be  found  to 
merit  our  recommendation. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  55,  t.  2843 ;  Bot.  Reg.  17, 
t.  1111 ;  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  1372. 

There  are  other  species  of  GauUheria,  but  they 
are  not  in  cultivation. 

The  Chiogexes. 

A  pretty  little  creeping  shrub,  with  slender  stems, 
close-set,  evergreen  leaves,  inconspicuous  flowers, 
and  showy,  white,  aromatic  berries.  The  species  is 
C.  hispidida,  and  is  well  worthy  a  place  in  some 
sheltered  portion  of  the  Rhododendron-bed,  where 
it  will  trail  over  the  surface,  grow,  flower,  and  fruit 


130  OTHKK   AMERICAN   PLANTS. 

freely.  It  is  one  of  those  natives  of  the  wild  woods 
which  we  are  always  charmed  to  find  in  cultivation. 

Plants  could  easily  be  procured  from  our  north- 
ern woods. 

Figured  in  Torr.  N.  Y.  68  ;  also  in  Pursh,  Fl. 
13,  as  Q-aultheria  serpyllifolia. 

The  Linn^a. 

All  the  plants  we  have  thus  far  described  belong 
to  the  same  family  as  the  Rhododendron  (Ericaceae). 
The  pretty  little  Linncea  borealis,  so  well  adapted 
for  covering  the  soil  in  shrubberies,  is  one  of  the 
Honeysuckle  family  (Caprifoliacese).  It  is  a  charm- 
ing plant,  with  pretty  evergreen  foliage  and  delicate 
pink,  fragrant  flowers. 

It  is  a  common  plant  in  northern  woods ;  and 
we  mind  us  of  localities  where  it  fringes  the  road- 
sides for  miles,  carpeting  the  ground  under  the 
spreading  firs  and  hemlocks.  It  is  impatient  of 
drought,  or  of  much  sun,  but  will  thrive  well  in  a 
Rhododendron-bed. 

Figured  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  183 ;  Bax.  Brit.  Bot.  5, 
840. 

The  Mitchell  a. 

Another  creeping  evergreen,  commonly  called 
"Partridge"  or  "Twin  Berry;"  botanically,  M. 
repens.  It  is  very  common  in  woods,  and  always 
beautiful,  whether  clothed  with  the  lovely  pink  and 
white  flowers  or  sparkling  with  scarlet  berries. 


OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS.  137 

.  It  is  easily  procured,  is  very  amenable  to  cultiva- 
tion, and  is  well  worthy  a  place  in  the  garden.  It 
belongs  to  the  Madder  family  (Rubiaccae). 

Figured  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  979  ;  and  Barton,  Fl. 
8,  t.  95. 

The  Empetrum. 

A  plant  of  the  Crowberry  family  (Empetraccae), 
much  resembling  a  heath,  and  worthy  a  place  in 
the  collection.  It  is  not  an  uncommon  Alpine  on  the 
summits  of  mountains ;  and  is  abundant  on  the 
island  in  Frenchman's  Bay,  off  Mt.  Desert,  covering 
the  ground  and  trailing  over  the  cliffs. 

The  foliage  is  dark  green  and  rather  sombre,  the 
flowers  inconspicuous,  the  berries  black  and  orna- 
mental. 

Botanically,the  plant  is  E.  nigrum,  or  Black  Crow- 
berry. 

Figured  in  Eng,  Bot.  8,  t.  526 ;  and  Bas.  Brit. 
Bot.  6,  p.  469. 

The  Vaccinium. 

Tlie  only  plant  of  this  genus  desirable  for  cultiva- 
tion in  the  garden  is  the  Cowberry  (F.  Vitis-Idaea) , 
a  low-growing  species,  with  dark  green,  shining  fo- 
liage, pretty  pink  flowers,  and  showy  red  berries. 
As  a  plant  for  covering  the  surface,  it  is  well  worthy 
a  place,  growing  freely  and  requiring  no  care. 

In  Maine,  where  this  plant  is  very  abundant,  the 
berries  are  used  as  cranberries,  and  are  quite 
palatable. 


138  .    OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS. 

Figured  in  Lodcl.  Cab.  t.  1023  ;  Bax.  Brit.  Bot.  5, 
t.  383. 

Variety  ma  jus  is  larger  in  all  its  parts. 
Figured  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  616. 

V.  oxYCOCCUS  and  macrocarpus  are  our  small 
and  large  cranberries,  both  found  plentifully  growing 
wild,  and  the  latter  sometimes  cultivated  for  market. 
Though  naturally  growing  in  bogs,  a  wet  soil  is  not 
essential  to  them,  as  they  do  well  in  any  good  loam. 
The  flowers  and  fruit  of  both  are  very  pretty. 

Y.  stamineum,  the  Deerberry,  with  deciduous 
foliage,  greenish-white  flowers,  and  large,  greenish 
fruit,  is  sometimes  found  in  cultivation,  and  is  not 
uncommon  in  the  wild  state  in  drv  woods. 


The  Leucothoe. 

A  genus  containing  two  of  our  most  beautiful 
flowering  shrubs,  without  which  no  collection  of 
American  plants  can  be  complete,  and  which  add 
greatly  to  the  attraction  of  the  shrubbery.  They 
are  hardy  plants,  doing  well  in  Rhododendron  soil, 
and  require  no  special  culture. 

They  are  commonly  known  as  Andromeda. 

Leucothoe  floribunda. 

This  elegant  species  is  a  native  of  the  Southern 
States,  on  the  mountains,  but  is  generally  hardy 
with  us.     The   foliage   is  evergreen,  rather  small, 


OTHER    AMERICAN   PLANTS.  130 

dark  green,  and  very  ornamental ;  tlic  flowers  -wliite, 
in  panicles  at  the.  ends  of  the  branches.  The  buds 
form  in  the  summer,  and  arc  very  conspicuous  all 
winter,  opening  in  early  spring ;  the  white  flowers 
contrast  beautifully  with  the  dark  foliage.  A  mass 
of  this  plant  is  a  most  attractive  feature  in  the 
garden.  As  the  buds  are  a  little  liable  to  be  winter- 
killed with  us,  and  the  foliage  sometimes  gets 
browned,  Ave  generally  protect  our  plants  by  placing 
over  them  a  few  evergreen  boughs,  with  which  cov- 
ering they  pass  the  winter  uninjured,  although  in  a 
very  exposed  situation,  and  every  spring  reward  us 
by  abundance  of  bloom.  A  bed  of  this  plant,  edged 
with  the  hardy  heath  (Gypsocallis'),  is  very  hand- 
some, both  plants  blooming  at  the  saftie  time,  and 
contrasting  well  in  color. 

In  catalogues  this  plant  is  called  Andromeda  flori- 
bunda,  and,  botanically,  is  more  properly  referred  to 
that  genus. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Reg.  10,  t.  807;  and  Bot.  Mag. 
t.  1566 ;  Pax.  Mag.  4,  p.  101. 

Leucothoe  Catesb^i. 

A  very  showy  plant,  and  somewhat  hardier  than 
the  last  described.  The  foliage  is  large,  serrate, 
coriaceous,  and  evergreen ;  the  flowers  white,  in 
long,  drooping  racemes.  This  species  is  ornamental, 
both  in  the  mass  or  as  a  specimen  plant :  we  grow 
it  most  successfully  both  ways,  and  regard  it  as 
one  of  the  most  desirable  American  plants.  Its 
height  is  from  one  to  three  feet ;  and  the  slender 


140  OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS. 

branches,  drooping  with  the  weight  of  the  flowers, 
are  extremely  showy.  It  is  very  hardy,  never  win- 
ter-ldlled,  and  never  fails  to  flower  abundantly.  It 
thrives  in  a  rich  loam,  but  is  impatient  of  drought : 
we  grow  it  in  beds  of  peaty  loam,  in  a  northern 
exposure ;  but  if  the  roots  are  not  allowed  to  dry,  it 
will  stand  the  full  sunshine.  A  native  of  Virginia, 
and  southward  along  the  mountains.  Known  also 
as  Andromeda  Catesbcsi  and  spinulosa,  and  as  L. 
spimdosa. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  1. 1955  ;  Lodd.  Cab.  1. 1320. 

LeUCOTHOE   AXILLARIS. 

A  pretty  'species,  but  by  no  means  so.  showy  a 
plant  as  those  we  have  described.  The  flowers  are 
white,  in  axillary  spikes  or  racemes.  A  native  of 
the  low  country  of  Virginia  and  southward,  and 
probably  tender  in  New  England. 

Figured  as  Andromeda  axillaris  in  Bot.  Mag.  t. 
2357. 

There  are  other  species,  some  of  which  are  tender ; 
and  others,  although  hardy,  are  not  sufficiently 
ornamental  to  be  worthy  of  cultivation,  except  in 
large  collections.  L.  racemosa  is  the  best  of  these, 
and  is  worthy  of  a  place  in  the  shrubbery :  it  is  a 
hardy  native  plant. 

The  Cassandra. 

0.  calyculata  is  a  hardy  shrub,  very  common  in 
swamps.     The  foliage  is  rusty,  and  not  ornamental ; 


OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS.  141 

and  the  cliicf  merit  of  tlic  plant  is  its  expanding  its 
flowers  early  in  April.  When  well  grown,  it  is  very 
pretty ;  but  it  is  not  naturally  of  good  habit.  Th» 
flowers  are  pretty  white  bells. 

There  are  varieties  which  differ  only  in  height, 
size  of  flower,  and  breadth  of  leaf,  respectively 
known  as  nana,  ventricosa,  and  lalifolia.  All  are 
of  easiest  culture  in  peat-soil. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  1. 1286  ;  Lodd.  Cab.  1. 1464, 
530,  and  1286. 

The  Zenobia. 

This  plant,  also  known  as  Andromeda  speciosa, 
is  very  showy  and  desirable,  but  is  not  hardy  in  the 
Northern  States,  as  it  is  a  native  of.  Southern 
swamps.  The  flowers  are  large,  white,  and  very 
showy ;  the  foliage  is  deciduous. 

The  plants  found  in  catalogues  as  Androineda  pul- 
verulenta,  cassincsfolia,  pitlvendentissima,  dealbata, 
and  ovata,  are  all  varieties  of  this  species,  and  like 
it  are  tender.  They  are  very  elegant  and  showy 
plants,  and  very  desirable.  In  England  they  are 
hardy,  and  would  probably  prove  so  south  of  Phila- 
delphia. 

Figured  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  551 ;  Bot.  Mag.  25,  t. 
970,  and  18,  t.  667 ;  Bot.  Keg.  12,  t.  1010. 

The  Andromeda. 

The  species  to  which  this  genus  has  been  restricted 
by  most  botanists  is  A.  polifolia,  a  charming  little 


142  OTHER   AMERICAN    PLANTS. 

plant,  with  narrow,  giaiicous-green  leaves  and  beauti- 
ful white  flowers  tipped  with  rosy-red. 

It  is  a  native  of  cold  bogs  of  both  continents, 
extending  into  high  latitudes,  and  is  therefore  per- 
fectly hardy. 

The  difficulty  in  cultivation  is  to  keep  it  cool  and 
damp.  With  us  it  grows  and  flowers  beautifully  in 
the  shady  part  of  a  Rhododendron-bed  on  a  northern 
hillside. 

There  are  many  varieties,  differing  in  size  of  plant 
and  color  of  flower :  all  thrive  under  the  same  treat- 
ment, and  are  desirable. 

Figured  in  Bax.  Brit.  Bot.  5,  p.  361 ;  and  in  vari- 
ety in  Lodd.  Cab.  t,  546, 1591,  1714, 1T25. 

A.    ROSMARINIFOLIA 

Much  resembles  the  last,  and  may  be  only  a 
variety. 

The  plant  found  in  catalogues  as  Andromeda 
formosa  is  a  native  of  Nepal,  and  tender  with  us. 
The  flowers  are  rosy-white,  in  drooping  clusters,  and 
very  showy.     Also  called  Pieris  formosa. 

Andromeda  mariana. 

This  species,  also  known  as  Lyonia,  is  a  hardy 
plant,  with  deciduous  foliage  and  large,  white  flowers. 
It  is  well  worth  growing,  and  does  well  in  any  good 
loamy  soil. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mas;,  t.  1597. 


OTHKR    AMERICAN    PLANTS.  143 

There  are  other  native  species,  which  are  desirable 
111  collections ;  but  none  of  them  are  so  showy  as 
those  we  have  mentioned. 

The  very  beautiful  Andromeda  floribunda  has 
been  described  under  the  gaww^  Leucothoe. 

The  Daphne. 

Of  this  extensive  genus,  to  which  the. well-known 
greenhouse  plant  D.  odora  belongs,  but  two  are 
hardy  in  New  England  :  one  of  these,  D.  Mezereon, 
is  a  common  shrub  in  the  spring  garden,  and  pro- 
duces its  purple  or  white  flowers  with  the  early 
crocus.  It  is  a  very  hardy  plant,  growing  freely  in 
good  garden  soil,  and  is  ornamental  in  flower, 
foliage,  and  fruit.  There  is  also  an  autumn- 
blooming  variety. 

Daphne  cneorum 

Is  the  most  attractive  of  the  hardy  species.  It 
is  a  low-growing  plant,  with  evergreen  foliage  and 
terminal  umbels  of  fragrant,  pink  flowers,  which 
are  produced  in  great  profusion  in  early  spring. 
Although  indigenous  to  Central  Europe,  it  is  perfectly 
hardy  with:  us,  and  is  a  most  useful  plant  for  low 
beds  or  for  the  borders  of  the  shrubbery.  The  fra- 
grance of  the  flowers,  is  so  strong  as  to  be  almost 
unpleasant  in  a  close  room,  but  in  the  garden  they 
perfume  the  air  delightfully.  They  open  in  sunny 
exposures  in  April,  and,  by  a  little  care  in  having 
plants  in  different  places,  may  be  had  in  bloom  far 


144  OTHER  AMERICAN   PLANTS. 

into  June :    a  second  crop  of  flowers  is  sometimes  ; 

produced  in  September.     The  flowers  vary  somewhat 

in  shading,  and  there  is  said  to  be  a  white  variety.  I 

Variety  majus.  has  larger  flo\Yers  than  the  species, 

and  is  a  more  desirable  plant.  , 

Variety  variegatum  has  the  foliage  prettily  edged  | 

with  yellow.  i 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  313 ;  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  1800. 

D.  altaica,  a  native  of  Siberia,  and  D.  alpina,  j 

from  the  Swiss  Alps,  both  with  white  flowers,  which  ! 

in  the  latter  are  fragrant,   would   probably   prove  i 

hardy ;  but  we  do  not  know  of  them  in  cultivation.  ! 

D.  Laureola,  the  Spurge  Laurel,  indigenous  to  I 

most  parts  of  Europe,  is  a.  good  plant  for  shady  i 

plantations,  as  it  is  not  injured  by  the  drip  of  trees.  ■ 
It  is  not  hardy  in  New  England. 

D.  pontica,  native  of  Asia  Minor,  and  also  found 
in  Siberia,  is  precariously  hardy,  and  is  killed  in 

exposed  situations.  j 

D.  alpina  is  figured  in  Lodd.  Cab.  t.  66.  | 

D.  altaica  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  1875 ;  and  in  Lodd.  I 

Cab.  t.  399.  ^ 

B.  Laureola  in  Eng.  Bot.  2, 119. 

D.  pontica  in  And.  B-ep.  2,  t.  73 ;  and  Bot.  Mag.  ! 

t.'l282.  \ 

The  Skdimia. 

A  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs,  from  northern  India  j 

and  Japan,  of  which  one,  S.  japonica,  is  a  very  desir-  , 


OTHER   AMEUICAN   PLANTS.  145 

able  plant.  As  its  name  implies,  it  is  a  native  of 
■Japan,  and  is  a  low-growing  shrub  found  upon  the 
mountains.  The  foliage  is  dark  green,  shining,  and 
evergreen.  The  flowers  are  white,  in  long,  clustered 
panicles  on  the  ends  of  the  branches,  and  are  suc- 
ceeded by  bright,  globular,  scarlet  berries.  Alto- 
gether it  is  a  very  ornamental  plant.  With  us  it 
proves  hardy  in  Riiododendron  soil,  and  grows,  flow- 
ers, and  fruits  freely. 

Seedlings  are  easily  raised  from  tlie  berries. 

Figured  in  Sieb.  Fl.  Jap.  68;  Fl.  des  Serres,  7, 
p.  39 ;  Bot.  Mag.  t.  4719 ;  Illus.  Hort.  1, 1. 13. 

Skimmia  oblata. 

This  species,  also  from  Japan,  has  large,  rich,  lau- 
rel-like foliage,  and  oblate  berries  of  briglit  vermil- 
ion-red. It  is  a  more  showy  plant'than  S.  japonica, 
but  we  cannot  vouch  for  its  hardiness.  As  yet  it  is 
somewhat  rare,  but,  as  it  grows  readily  from  seed, 
will  soon  be  common.  The  plant  known  as  S.  fra- 
grantissima  proves  to  Be  the  male  plant  of  this 
species,  which  is.  sometimes  hermaphrodite,  though 
usually  unisexual. 

Figured  in  The  Florist,  18G5,  p.  161. 

The  Pernettya. 

These  plants  are  pretty  little,  evergreen  shrubs 

from  South  America.     The  foliage  is  small  and  very 

neat ;   the  flowers  little  white  bells,  covering  the 

plant,  which  are  succeeded  by  pink  berries.     They 

7 


146  OTHER    AMERICAN   PLANTS. 

are  more  likely  to  be  destroyed  by  the  summer  than 
by  the  winter ;  at  least  siich  has  been  cm-  experience 
at  Glen  Ridge,  where  plants  which  survived  two 
winters,  with  little  injury,  perished  from  the  effects 
of  the  summer's  sun.  All  the  species  ,  are  very 
impatient  of  the  extremes  of  wet  and  dry,  and  if 
planted  in  full  exposure  to  the  rays  of  the  sun  soon 
perish,  and  an  excess  of  moisture  at  the  roots  is 
sure  to  kill  them.  The  best  culture  is  to  plant  them 
in  a  Rhododendron-bed,  with  a  northern  exposure, 
and  during  winter  to  cover  them  lightly  with  pine- 
needles. 

They  are  easily  raised  from  seed. 

The  two  species  in  cultivation  are :  — 

P.    MUCRONATA, 

A  native ,  of  the  Straits  of  Magellan,  with  dark 
foliage,  which  contrasts  well  with  the  white  flowers. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Reg.  20,  t.  1675 ;  and  in  Maud. 
Bot.  3,  112.     And 

P.    ANGUSTIFOLIA, 

A  native  of  Chili.  The  foliage  is  dark,  and  the 
plant  flowers  very  freely.  This  species  seems  quite 
as  hardy  as  the  preceding. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Reg.  26,  t.  63 ;  and  in  Bot.  Mag. 
,t:  3889. 

There  are  other  species  which  prove  tender. 


OTHER  AMERICAN   PLANTS.  147 


The  Hypericum. 

The  St.  Johns-worts  are  well-known  plants,  with 
yellow  flowers  ;  some  wortliy  of  garden  culture,  and 
others  mere  weeds. 

One  species,  however,  is  a  very  sliowy  and  desir- 
able plant :  — 

Hypericum  calycinum 

Is  a  native  of  Ireland^  Scotland,  and  other  parts 
of  Europe,  and  proves  perfectly  hardy  with  us,  if 
slightly  protected  during  the  winter.  The  foliage  is 
large,  evergreen,  and  thickly  covered  with  pellucid 
dots;  the  flowers  are  large,  yellow,  and  very  showy, 
two  or  three  inches  in  diameter,  with  reddish 
anthers.  It  is  a  low-growing  shrub,  thriving  under 
the  drip  of  trees,  and  well-calculated  for  banks,  rock- 
works,  or  the  margins  of  shrubberies.  The  roots 
are  creeping,  and  a  small  plant  will  soon  cover  a 
large  space. 

Our  plants  are  on  the  borders  of  a  Rhododendron- 
bed,  and  are  protected  in  winter  by  a  slight  covering 
of  pine-needles.  We  do  not  regard  this  as  necessary, 
for  plants  have  done  well  wholly  unprotected ;  but 
the  foliage  is  very  much  browned  and  the  beauty  of 
the  plant  impaired. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  146 ;  and  in  Eng.  Bot. 
29,  t.  2017. 

Of  other  species  H.  Kalmianum  is  a  well-known 
inhabitant  of  our  shrubberies,  conspicuous  for  its 


148  OTHER   AMERICAN   PLANTS. 

yellow  flowers  in  July ;  and  H.  Uralum,  with  ns,  a 
rather  tender  species  from  Nepal,  with  terminal 
corymbs  of  bright  orange-yellow  blossoms,  is  desir- 
able. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  2375. 

The  Polygala. 

One  species  of  this  beautiful  genus  is  suitable  for 
cultivation  with  American  plants :  — 

Polygala  CHAMiCBUxus 

Is  a  dwarf-growing,  evergreen,  shrubby  plant, 
with  large,  yellow  flowers,  a  native  of  the  Swiss  and 
Austrian  Alps.  It  is  a  neat,  pretty  plant,  increasing 
rapidly  from  running  roots,  and  freely  producing  its 
fragrant  flowers  during  the  spring  and  summer. 
We  can  scarcely  regard  it  as  perfectly  hardy ;  but 
with  a  little  care,  covering  the  whole  plant  with 
pine-needles  in  winter,  it  may  be  preserved,  and  is 
well  worth  the  trouble.  Plants  may  be  imported 
from  England  for  about  nine  shillings  per  dozen. 

They  should  be  grown  in  a  soil  of  peaty  loam. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  316 ;  and  in  Lodd.  Cab. 
t.  593. 

The  Pyrola. 

Among  the  Wintergreens  are  some  very  pretty 
plants  well  worthy  of  cultivation.  The  common 
Pyrola  rotundifolia  is  by  no  means  an  inelegant 


OTHER    AMERICAN   PLANTS.  149 

plant,  and  if  not  found  'Nvild  is  very  desirable  in  the 
garden.  The  leaves  are  radical,  smootli,  roundish, 
and  shining ;  the  flowers  white,  delicately  fragrant, 
drooping  on  a  slender  raceme. 

It  does  well  in  any  light,  rich  soil,  and  increases 
rapidly  from  its  running  roots :  it  prefers  a  rather 
moist,  shady  place.  There  are  several  varieties,  dif- 
fering in  shape  of  the  leaves  and  color  of  the 
floAver. 

P.  elliplica  closely  resembles  this  species ;  and  P. 
chlorantha,  minor,  and  seainda,  are  all  neat-growing 
plants,  thri\-ing  with  little  care,  and  worth  growing 
in  a  collection. 

MONESES  UNIFLORA, 

Formerly  Pyrola  uniflora,  is  not  uncommon  in 
northern  woods.  It  is  a  delicate  and  very  pretty 
plant,  bearing  one  large,  white  or  rosy,  terminal 
flower,  and  increasing  readily  by  creeping  roots. 

The  Chimaphila. 

These  plants  are  low-growing  herbs,  with  shining, 
evergreen  foliage  and  jewelled  flowers.  The  most 
common  species  is  C.  umbellata,  sometimes  called 
"  Pipsissewa,"  or  "  Bitter-Sweet."  The  flowers  are 
roes-colored,  with  purple  anthers,  and  very  pretty. 

C.  maculata,  the  other  species,  has  lighter  green 
leaves,  marked  with  white ;  and  is  a  very  showy, 
variegated-leaved  plant. 


150 


OTHER  AMERICAN  PLANTS. 


It  is  not  veiy  common  in  New  England,  but 
recently  we  found  it  in  great  abundance  on  the 
slopes  of  tlie  Alloglianies  in  Virginia.  The  flower 
is  not  so  handsome  as  the  last.  All  species  do  well 
in  sandj  loam  and  peat. 


PART    lY. 

HERBACEOUS    PLANTS    ADAPTED    FOR    GROWTH 
IN    RHODODENDRON-BEDS. 


PAllT    lY. 

HERBACEOUS    PLAXTS    ADAPTED    FOR    GROWTH 
Df    RHODODENDROJf-BEDS. 


nPHERE  are  many  herbaceous  plants,  seldom 
-^  found  in  good  health  in  the  garden,  which 
thrive  wonderfully  if  grown  in  Ehododendron-beds. 
Many  of  these  are  rare  native  plants,  usually  con- 
sidered of  difficult  cultivation ;  but  their  only  fault 
is  refusing  to  grow  under  conditions  in  no  way  suited 
to  their  nature.  To  domesticate  these  choice  wild- 
lings,  and  to  have  them  bloom  under  your  own  care 
in  greater  perfection  than  in  their  native  haunts, 
is  a  triumph  of  floriculture  which  few  achieve.  Yet 
such  success  is  not  difficult,  and  a  little  study  of 
the  requirements  of  each  plant  will  enable  one  to 
attain  it. 

Plants  that  natiu-ally  grow  in  the  rich  humus  of 
old  woods,  rooting  in  the  deep  leaf-mould,  or  that 
find  congenial  soil  in  shady  swamps,  will  not  thrive 
transplanted  to  common  garden  soil  and  exposed 
in  full  sunshhie. 

7* 


154  HERBACEOUS   PLANTS. 

For  such  and  for  many  others  the  edges  of  Rho- 
dodendron-beds are  suitable  situations :  they  there 
have  moisture,  depth  of  soil,  and  partial  shade,  and 
seldom  refuse  to  reward  the  grower. 

We  propose  to  enumerate  a  few  of  the  plants  that 
have  succeeded  with  us  under  such  cultivation,  in 
the  hope  that  others  may  repeat  the  experiment, 
deriving  therefrom  a  pleasure  equal  to  our  own. 

The  Hepatica. 

Almost  the  first  flower  of  spring,  following  hard 
upon  the  snowdrop  and  bulbocodium,  and  often 
opening  before  the  crocus,  —  can  there  be  a  more 
charming  blossom  ? 

Pretty  as  our  wild  species  is,  the  garden  varieties 
of  the  European  type  are  far  more  showy;  and 
transplanted,  in  our  cold  and  backward  spring,  are 
true  to  their  nature,  blooming  long  before  plants 
born  in  our  own  woods  unfold  their  delicate  flowers. 

Earliest  of  all  is  the  double  red  Hepatica,  per- 
haps the  most  charming  of  spring  blossoms,  a 
sparkling  little  flower,  already  in  bloom  in  sunny 
spots  when  the  early  April  days  betoken  spring,  and 
blooming  on  till  May.  Then  follow  our  pretty  sin- 
gle blue,  pink,  and  white  native  varieties,  with  the 
single  red,  the  mauve  (^H.  Bar  low  ii),  and  the  rare 
white,  with  red  stamens.  Last,  but  no  whit  less 
beautiful,  comes  the  double  blue;  and  that  latest 
acquisition,  the  Hungarian  H.  angulosa,  with  large, 
deep-lobed  leaves  and  sky-blue  flowers,  an  inch  in 
diameter. 


HERBACEOUS   PLANTS.  155 

But  where  can  we  find  all  these  ?  many  will  ask  ; 
and  out  of  our  own  garden  we  should  be  at  a  loss 
where  to  seek  for  thorn.  We  know  of  no  florist  of 
this  country  who  can  supply  an  order ;  yet  these 
plants  should  he  grown  by  thousands,  and  be  as 
cheap  and  as  common  as  violets. 

In  England  they  are  very  cheap  ;  and  a  few  shil- 
lings will  buy  a  dozen  plants,  well  rooted  in  pots, 
and  all  ready  to  put  out  in  the  border.  Like  all 
spring-blooming  plants,  they  should  be  imported  in 
the  autumn,  wintered  in  a  cold  frame,  and  trans- 
planted to  the  border  in  early  spring. 

If  imported  in  spring,  they  usually  make  a  rank 
growth  in  the  cases,  which  perishes  when  the  plants 
are  set  out ;  and,  as  no  second  growth,  is  made,  the 
plant  dies. 

For  years  we  lost  all  our  spring-imported  plants ; 
but  since  we  have  imported  in  autumn,  it  is  seldom 
we  lose  a  plant. 

All  the  Hepaticas  are  natives  of  Europe  and 
North  America.  They  arc  low-growing  plants,  Avith 
evergreen,  lobed  leaves,  and  thrive  well  in  any  deep 
garden  soil. 

Our  native  varieties,  transplanted  from  the  woods, 
grow  freely,  and  soon  form  large  clumps. 

All  the  varieties  are  worth  growing.  Had  we  to 
choose  one,  it  would  be  the  double  red,  as  it  has  the 
most  brilliant  flowers,  blooms  earlier  than  J  he  others, 
and  more  readily  accommodates  itself  to  various 
soils  and  exposures  ;  but  we  should  be  loath  to  give 
up  any. 

The  Hungarian  H.  angulosa  is  the  largest  species, 


156  HERBACEOUS   PLANTS. 

and  a  very  showy  plant :  it  proves  hardy  with  us, 
and  no  choice  collection  should  be  without  it. 

Hepaticas  do  not  require  Rhododendron  soil,  but 
thrive  wonderfully  in  the  sunny  edges  of  Rhododen- 
dron-beds, blooming  gayly  in  early  April,  when  the 
Kalmia  glauca,  the  Cassandra,  Rhodora,  and,  Dauric 
Rhododendron  begin  to  open  their  blossoms,  and 
all  the  year  are  ornamental  from  their  neat,  ever- 
green foliage. 

The  only  culture,  when  once  planted,  is  to  let 
them  alone :  they  are  impatient  of  disturbance  and 
of  extremes  of  drought  and  moisture. 

In  winter  we  lay  an  evergreen  bough  over  the 
plants  to  protect  the  foliage  from  the  sun,  but  this 
is  not  necessary.  They  are  propagated  by  division 
in  early  spring. 

To  all  we  say.  Grow  hepaticas,  even  if  the  garden 
is  but  a  few  feet  square.  They  occupy  little  room, 
and  are  the  sunniest,  the  brightest,  the  most  cheery 
children  of  the  floral  world. 

The  Sanguinaria. 

The  Bloodroot  (/S.  canadensis'),  a  well-known 
native  plant,  thrives  perfectly  in  the  garden. 
Transplanted  from  the  woods  to  a  deep,  rich  soil, 
the  flowers  increase  in  size  and  in  the  number  of 
petals,  and  ripen  seed  freely,  which  often  sows 
itself.       ' 

It  is  curious  to  watch  this  plant  in  the  early  days 
of  spring :  a  few  hours  will  often  be  sufficient  to 
expand  the  snowy  blossoms,  and  to  spread  the  count- 
less yellow  stamens  to  the  sun. 


HERBACEOUS   PLANTS.  loT 

The  leaves,  which  at  first  enwrap  the  flower,  grow 
very  large,  and  protect  the  seed-pods  until  they 
I'ipen. 

There  is  but  one  species,  and  there  are  no  well 
defined  varieties ;  though  on  some  plants  the  flowers 
are  larger  than  on  others,  and  the  stamens  show  a 
disposition  to  be  converted  into  petals. 

A  sunny  nook  in  the  garden  is  well  filled  with 
this  plant,  which  in  deep,  rich  soil  thrives  without 
care,  and  blooms  freely  every  spring. 

The  Jeffersonia. 

The  only  species,  J.  diphi/Ila,  bears  a  pretty  white 
flower  in  early  April,  somewhat  resembling  that  of 
the  bloodroot.  The  leaves  and  foot-stalks  are  blu- 
ish-green, and  the  whole  plant  is  glabrous :  from  the 
leaves  folding  together  in  two  equal  parts,  the  popu- 
lar name  "  Twinleaf  "  is  derived.  The  seed-capsule 
is  very  curious,  opening  by  a  hinged  lid  when  the 
seed  is  ripe. 

This  is  rather  a  rare  plant,  and  is  not  found  wild 
in  New  England.  In  cultivation,  it  grows  freely  in 
any  good  garden  soil,  and  is  easily  propagated  by 
division. 

The  Caltha. 

Early  in  spring  the  bright  yellow  blossoms  of 
the  Marsh  Marigold  (  C,  palustris)  are  very  conspic- 
uous in  wet  meadows,  and  the  leaves  are  sold  in  the 
markets  as  "  water   cresses."     In   cultivation,  the 


158  HERBACEOUS   PLANTS. 

plant  is  valuable  as  an  early  flower,  and  does  not 
require  a  wet  soil,  but  easily  domesticates  itself  if 
planted  in  good  loam. 

The  double  variety,  which  is  not  uncommon,  is 
very  showy,  lasting  long  in  bloom,  and  is  very  bril- 
liant in  color. 

C.  parnassifolia  and  radicans  are  also  pretty 
exotic  species. 

All  are  easily  propagated  by  division. 

The  Dentaria. 

The  Tootliworts  are  pretty  little,  spring-blooming 
plants,  with  delicate  foliage  and  white  or  purple 
flowers.  They  are  easily  cultivated  in  rich  loam, 
and,  though  rather  inconspicuous,  occupy  little  room, 
and  take  care  of  themselves.  We  have  grown  one 
species  for  years,  in  a  sheltered  nook  of  a  Rhodo- 
dendron-bed, and  admire  it  the  more  each  spring. 

The  species,  which  are  D.  diphi/lla,  lacinata, 
maxima,  muUifida,  and  heterophylla,  much  resemble 
each  other  in  flower. 

Propagated  by  division  in  spring. 

The  Anemone. 

All  of  the  hardy  species  of  these  favorite  plants 
thrive  in  Rhododendron  soil.  We  have  already 
described  the  Hepatica,  which  is  only  a  sub-genus  of 
Anemone,  as  one  of  the  most  desirable  of  spring  flow- 
ers ;  and  many  other  species,  although  not  such  early 
bloomers,  are  most  ornamental  and  attractive. 


HERBACEOUS  PLANTS.  169 

Wc  are  all  familiar  with  tlic  wild  Anemone  of  our 
woods  (A.  nemorpsa),  varying  in  color  from  pure 
white  to  deep  pink  or  purple,  and  tinted  like  some 
delicate  sea-shell ;  but  we  have  not  all  grown  this 
charming  flower  in  the  garden,  and  watched  it  day 
by  day,  from  'the  first  moment  the  dark  foliage 
breaks  through  the  ground  until  the  delicate  blos- 
som nods  in  the  spring  breezes.  This  is  easy  to  do; 
for  the  plant  does  well  in  any  light,  rich  loam, 
increasing  rapidly  by  its  slender  root-stocks,  and 
carpeting  the  ground  with  rich  foliage,  spangled  with 
lovely  blossoms.  We  have  only  to  transplant  it  and 
let  it  alone,  and  year  after  year  it  will  reward  us 
with  a  profusion  of  blossoms.  The  double  varieties, 
both  white  and  pink,  we  have  in  our  garden :  both 
are  very  charming  and  attractive,  and  grow  as  freely 
as  the  species.  An  allied  plant  is  the  Rue-leaved 
Anemones  (-4.  tlialictroides,  or  Thalictrum  aneme- 
noides),  found  both  in  tlie  single  and  double  varie- 
ties, pure  white,  very  showy,  quite  as  easy  to 
cultivate,  and  very  desirable,  not  only  for  the  flower, 
but  also  for  the  delicate  foliage. 

Anemone  apennina,  although  a  native  of  Italy, 
proves  hardy  with  us ;  but  Ave  have  been  somewhat 
disappointed  in  its  proving  a  very  shy  bloomer.  The 
flowers  are  blue,  and  very  showy. 

The  English  A.  ranuncidoides,  with  yellow,  butter- 
cup-like flowers,  is  precariously  hardy,  and  has  not 
with  us  proved  a  satisfactory  plant. 

A.  narcissijlora,  a  charming  European  species,  is 
perfectly  hardy,  and  produces  its  white  flowers  in 
great  profusion. 


160  HERBACEOUS   PLANTS. 

A.  pennsylvanica  is  a  tall-growing  species,  bloom- 
ing in  summer,  and,  although  a  little  coarse,  is  a 
desirable  plant.  "We  prefer  it,  however,  in  good 
garden  soil,  rather  than  in  a  Rhododendron-bed,  as 
it  spreads  rapidly  and  soon  appropriates  every  thing 
to  itself. 

The  sub-genus,  Pulsatilla,  contains  several  species 
of  spring-blooming  plants,  with  dull  purple  flowers  : 
in  bloom  they  are  not  very  showy,  but  the  long- 
tailed  heads  of  seed  are  ornamental. 

No  species,  however,  can  compare  with  the  Japan 
Anemone,  and  its  hybrid  Honorine  Joubert,  probably 
a  cross  between  A.  japonica  and  the  Nepalese  A.  viti- 
folia.  The  species  and  a  variety,  A.  j.  speciosa, 
have  reddish-pink  flowers  in  October,  and  are  very 
desirable  autumn-blooming  plants  ;  but  the  hybrid  is 
the  best  flower  of  autumn.  The  foliage  is  large  and 
showy,  deep  green  and  of  vigorous  growth  ;  the  plant 
tall ;  the  flowers  very  large,  pure  white  with  yellow 
centre,  and  produced  in  great  abundance.  It  is 
perfectly  hardy,  and  easily  propagated  by  division ; 
indeed,  each  little  piece  of  the  root  will  make  a 
plant. 

We  know  of  no  more  charming  flower  to  place 
here  and  there  in  open  spots  among  Rhododendrons. 
The  flower  shows  well  on  the  dark  background  of 
foliage,  and  lends  it  an  additional  charm :  from  the 
middle  of  September  until  cut  off  by  late  frosts  the 
plant  is  a  mass  of  flower. 

If  we  had  only  the  genus  Anemone  to  ornament 
the  spring  garden,  we  might  be  content ;  for  it  con- 
tains many  species,  which  vary  greatly  in  appear- 


HERBACEOUS   PLANTS.  161 

ance.  All  tire  not  hardy,  but  frame  protection  is 
sufficient  to  preserve  them  through  the  winter ;  and 
they  well  repay  the  trouble.  Many  hardy  species 
are  rarely  found  in  cultivation  in  this  country  ;  but  a 
few  shillings  Avill  import  a  choice  assortment  from 
Europe,  where  both  florists  and  amateurs  fully 
appreciate  the  beauty  of  these  charming  plants. 

The  Claytonia. 

Two  of  the  species,  0.  virginica  and  caroliniana, 
are  pretty,  spring-bloomiug  plants,  which  succeed 
well  in  any  deep,  rich  soil.  The  root  is  a  small 
tuber,  from  which  in  early  spring  a  slender  stem 
arises,  bearing  two  leaves,  and  terminated  by  a 
raceme  of  delicate  pink  blossoms,  deeply  veined  with 
darker  shades. 

Plants  procured  from  the  woods  and  once  estab- 
lished take  care  of  themselves,  and  increase  both  by 
root  and  seed. 

The  Scilla. 

All  the  exotic  Squills  are  better  suited  to  the  bulb 
border  than  the  Rhododendron-bed,  as  they  require 
rather  a  light  and  sandy  soil. 

The  best  is  ;S.  sibirica,  with  deep  blue  flowers  in 
early  spring :  a  plant  which  is  worth  every  trouble 
to  have  in  perfection. 

A  clump  of  this  is  in  place  anywhere  in  the  gar- 
den, and  it  would  be  difficult  to  name  a  more  spark- 
ling floral  gem. 


162  HERBACEOUS   PLANTS. 

The  Squill  of  the  western  prairies,  S.  Fraseri, 
needs  a  deep,  rich  soil. 

The  flower  is  whitish-blue,  and  very  pretty.  It 
flowers  freely,  and  once  introduced  needs  no  further 
care ;  and,  if  easily  obtained,  is  well  worth  growing. 

The  Camassia. 

The  only  species,  C.  esciilenta,  is  a  small  bulbous 
plant,  with  leaves  somewhat  resembling  a  hyacinth, 
and  a  tall  spike  of  a  dozen  or  more  showy  purple 
flowers.  It  is,  with  us,  a,  rare  plant,  though  on  oui 
north-western  coast  it  is  so  abundant  as  to  form 
the  chief  food  of  the  Indians.  It  succeeds  in 
deep,  rich  soil,  and  flowers  in  May.  Our  plants 
were  imported  from  England.  It  proves  perfectly 
hardy. 

The    Oxalis. 

The  common  wild  Oxalis  of  our  northern  woods 
(O.  Acetosella),  which  often  carpets  the  ground  for 
miles,  is  familiar  to  all  White  Mountain  tourists. 
It  is.  a  delicate  little  plant,  pretty  in  foliage  and  its 
white,  veined  blossoms,  and  increases  rapidly  by  its 
creeping  root-stocks.  It  takes  kindly  to  cultivation, 
and  if  placed  in  a  congenial  soil  soon  covers  the 
ground. 

There  is,  however,  another  species,  rare  in  New 
England,  which  is  a  very  beautiful  plant,  and  quite 
as  easy  of  domestication.  O.  violacea  is  a  little 
bulb,  with  clover-like  leaves  and  charming  purple 
flowers. 


HERBACEOUS  PLANTS.  163 

None  of  the  exotic  species  are  prettier  than  this, 
and  none  more  desirable.  It  is  perfectly  hardy, 
grows  freely,  and  flowers  profusely  in  the  latter  part 
of  May. 

The  Erythronium. 

The  "  Dog-tooth  Violet,"  which  is  no  violet  at  all, 
but  rather  a  lily,  is  a  very  pretty,  spring-blooming 
plant.  The  exotic  species,  in  its  many  varieties,  is 
showy  both  in  foliage  and  flower.  Our  native 
species,  though  not  so  showy,  are  no  less  interest>- 
ing.  The  most  common  are  E.  americanum  and  E. 
albidum,  with  yellow  and  white  flowers  respectively: 
the  former  is  more  showy  both  in  foliage  and  flower. 
Both  are  small  plants,  with  lily -like  foliage,  springing 
from  small,  deep-rooting  bulbs,  and  bear  handsome 
nodding  flowers.  They  are  a  little  capricious  in 
cultivation,  and  seldom  succeed  in  common  garden 
soil.  In  the  deep  loam  of  the  Rhododendron-bed 
they  grow  freely,  and  seldom  fail  to  bloom. 

The  yellow  species  is  very  common,  and  may 
easily  be  procured ;  but  the  white-flowered  must  be 
sought  on  the  western  prairies. 

The  AriSuEma. 

A.  triphjllum,  commonly  known  as  "  Jack  in  the 
Pulpit,"  or  "  Indian  Turnip,"  is  a  common  plant  in 
rich,  damp  woods.  It  is  curious  in  flower,  orna- 
mental in  foliage,  and  very  showy  in  fruit. 

A  place  should  l;o  found  for  it  in  the  garden,  and 
no  situation  will  suit  it  better  than  the  rich,  deep 


164  HERBACEOUS   PLANTS. 

soil  of  a  Rhododendron-bed,  where  it  will  also  find 
congenial  shade.  In  such  a  situation  it  will  attain 
wonderful  size,  and  seldom  fail  to  ripen  the  showy 
scarlet  fruit. 

A.  Dracontium,  also  hardy,  is  not  so  showy  a 
species,  but  is  worth  growing  in  a  collection. 

There  are  many  pretty  exotic  species,  but  none 
have  proved  hardy  with  us. 

The  Pachysandra. 

.  This  curious  plant  is  of  very  easy  culture,  grow- 
ing and  flowering  freely  in  any  rich,  damp  soil. 

The  flowers  are  greenish  or  purplish  wdiite,  and 
peculiarly  scented.  The  foliage  is  coarse,  deep  green, 
perennial.  For  covering  the  surface,  this  plant  is 
well  adapted,  though  as  especially  ornamental  it  is 
not  to  be  recommended. 

The  species  is  P.  procumbens,  a  native  of  moun- 
tains in  the  Southern  States,  and  perfectly  hardy. 

The  variegated-leaved  variety  is  very  pretty,  but 
seems  somewhat  more  tender  than  the  species. 

The  Dodecatheon. 

The  "  American  Cowslip,"  or  "  Shooting  Star," 
is  not  uncommon  in  gardens.  It  is  a  singularly 
elegant  plant  in  the  wild  form,  and  some  of  the 
seedlings  raised  in  cultivation  are  among  the  hand- 
somest of  spring  flowers.  It  grows  in  any  rich, 
moist  soil,  and  is  easily  increased  by  seed  or  division. 
In  color  the  flowers  vary  from  white  to  deep  red 
or  purple.     The  species  is  D.  Meadia. 


HERBACEOUS   PLANTS.  165 

A  form  from  our  north-western  coast  (i).  Jefrey- 
anum)  is  a  far  larger  plant,  with  large,  dark  green 
foliage,  and  tall  scapes  of  deep  pink  ilowers. 

The  Trientalis. 

A  pretty  little  plant,  with  starry  white  blossoms, 
springing  from  the  centre  of  a  whorl  of  light  green 
leaves,  is  the  "Star  Flower"  (^  americana).  It 
grows  readily  in  any  damp,  rich  soil,  and  if  given  a 
shady  situation  is  well  worth  cultivating. 

The  Mitella. 

No  better  plant  for  covering  the  surface  of  the 
ground  can  be  found  than  the  common  Mitella 
(J/.  diphyllcC).  The  foliage,  though  not  especially 
showy,  is  neat ;  and  the  racemes  of  delicate  white 
flowers  are  very  elegant. 

The  plant  blooms  freely,  spreads  rapidly,  and 
requires  no  care. 

M.  nuda  is  a  very  small  species,  with  delicate 
greenish  flowers. 

The  Tiarella. 

This  plant  (  T.  cordifolid)  is  not  so  showy  as  the 
Mitella,  which  it  much  resembles,  but  is  equally 
useful  as  a  low-spreading  plant.  The  flowers  are 
white. 

Both  this  and  the  Mitella  are  easily  obtained 
from  the  woods,  and  soon  adapt  themselves  to 
cultivation. 


166  HERBACEOUS   PLANTb. 


The  Helonias. 

H.  bullata  is  a  very  rare  and  beautiful  native 
plant,  growing  naturally  in  damp  meadows,  and 
thriving  in  cultivation  in  any  deep,  moist  soil.  The 
leaves  are  lanceolate,  radical,  spreading  flat  on  the 
ground,  evergreen.  The  flowers  are  clustered  on  a 
tall  spike,  and  are  of  a  purplish-pink,  tm-ning  green 
as  they  fade.  It  is  a  flower  seldom  seen  in  cultiva- 
tion, and  finds  a  congenial  soil  in  a  Rhododendron- 
bed,  where  it  will  flower  freely  every  spring. 

The  Clintonia, 

The  large,  shining  leaves  of  Clintonia  borealis  are 
very  conspicuous  in  low  woods.  The  flower  is  green- 
ish, and  on  examination  very  pretty  ;  but  the  berry, 
which  is  bright  blue,  is,  after  the  foliage,  the  most 
attractive  part  of  the  plant. 

There  is  no  difficulty  in  cultivating  this  plant,  as 
it  grows  rapidly,  and  with  us  flow&rs  more  freely 
than  in  the  wild  state.  The  foliage  is  strikingly 
handsome,  and  this  alone  should  entitle  it  to  culti- 
vation. 

C.  umhellata  is  a  rarer  species,  with  white  flowers 
speckled  with  green  or  purplish  dots,  which  we  have 
not  seen. 

The  Cornus. 

C.  canadensis^  the  "  Bunch-berry  "  of  our  north- 
ern woods,  is  another  plant  more  charming  in  fruit 


HERBACEOUS   PLANTS.  167 

than  in  flower.  The  root  is  Avoody ;  the  flowers,  or 
rather  iioral  invoUicrc,  greenish-white;  the  berries 
brilliant  scarlet,  and  very  showy.  This  plant  does 
Avell  in  any  good,  rich  soil,  and  flowers  freely ;  but 
with  us  fails  to  set  its  berries,  for  which,  as  yet,  we 
have  not  been  able  to  discover  a  reason.  It  is  worth 
growing,  however,  for  the  flowers  alone. 
Easily  obtained  from  the  woods. 

The  Convallaria. 

The  Lily  of  the  Valley  (C  mojalis')  is  too  well 
known  to  require  description,  and  we  need  use  no 
argument  to  find  a  place  for  it  in  the  flower  garden. 
It  is  in  place  everywhere,  in  beds  by  itself,  rambling 
through  the  grass,  or  carpeting  the  ground  under 
trees.  For  delicacy,  beauty,  and  fragrance,  it  has  no 
superior.  In  a  Rhododendron-bed  there  is  danger 
of  its  growing  too  luxuriantly  and  injuring  the  other 
plants,  but  if  kept  within  bounds  it  may  be  used 
with  good  effect.  When  it  sets  its  scarlet  berries  it 
is  very  showy. 

The  varieties  with  double  flowers,  and  with  single 
and  double  rose-colored  flowers,  are  oidy  desirable 
in  a  collection :  in  the  latter  the  color  is  a  dirty 
pink,  and  not  attractive  ;  all  are,  however,  very 
fragrant. 

The  variegated-leaved  kinds,  especially  that  with 
golden-striped  foliage,  are  very  handsome,  but  are 
not  common.  They  are  well  worth  growing,  as  the 
variegation  is  handsome  and  permanent. 

The  Solomon's  Seal  (^Polygonatwni) ,  and  {Smila- 
cinci),  and  the  Bcllworts  (^Uvularia)  are  all  very 


168  HERBACEOUS   PLANTS. 

pretty  plants,  and  should  find  place  in  the  garden  if 
possible.  The  best  for  surface  covering  is  Smilacina 
bifolia,  with  shining  foliage,  fragrant,  white  flowers, 
and  red  berries.  All  these  are  readily  obtained  from 
the  woods. 

The  Ficaria. 

This  genus  is  closely  allied  to  Ranunculus,  indeed 
by  some  is  combined  with  it.  The  flowers  of  the 
common  species,  F.  ranunculoides,  greatly  resemble 
small  buttercups ;  but  they  open  only  in  sunshine, 
and  bloom  earlier  in  the  spring.  The  roots  are 
small  tubers,  from  which  spring  glossy  green  leaves, 
followed  by  the  bright  flowers  in  early  May.  In  a 
few  weeks  the  foliage  fades  and  dies  away,  and  the 
plant  disappears  until  the  next  spring.  The  double 
variety  is  a  rarer  and  more  showy  plant,  and  the 
white-flowered  variety  is  seldom  found.  All  are 
well  worth  growing,  and  increase  rapidly  by  multi- 
plication of  the  tubers.  They  only  require  common 
garden  soil. 

The  Ranunculus. 

Of  the  Buttercups  the  only  one  we  can  recom- 
mend for  a  choice  collection  is  the  "  Fair  Maids  of 
France"  {R.  aconitifoUus  flore  pleno). 

It  is  a  delicate  plant,  with  fine-cut  foliage  and 
pretty  double,  white  flowers.  Although  not  uncom- 
mon, it  has  an  ugly  way  of  dying  out,  and  is  one  of 
those  plants  wliich,  unless  great  care  is  taken,  is 


HERBACEOUS   PLANTS.  169 

often  lost.     It  should  be  grown  in  rich,  dani])  soil, 
and  not  be  allowed  to  dry  up. 

The  Hellebore. 

The  best  of  the  Hellebores  is  the  "  Christmas  Rose" 
(^H.  nig-er^,  a  plant  by  no  means  so  well  known  as 
its  merits  deserve.  It  is  the  best  winter  flower 
Ave  have ;  aud  by  covering,  the  plant  with  a  cold 
frame,  to  keep  the  snow  from  crushing  it,  may  be 
gathered  any  day  from  November  to  April.  It  is 
attractive  both  in  foliage  and  flower :  the  former  is 
large,  deep-cut,  dark  shining  evergreen ;  the  latter 
measure  from  one  to  two  inches  in  diameter,  are 
■white,  often  tinged  with  pink,  single,  and  full  of 
briglit  golden  stamens. 

Cold  has  no  effect  upon  them :  if  frozen  hard,  they 
thaw  out  uninjured.  The  plant  is  perennial,  and 
requires  a  deep,  moist  soil,  where  it  will  not  dry  up 
in  sunnner. 

When  once  planted,  it  should  not  be  disturbed, 
as  it  does  not  transplant  readily,  and  takes  long  to 
become  well  established. 

H.  fcetidiis,  a  native  of  England,  is  showy  in 
foliage  and  flower,  but  with  us  has  not  proved 
hardy. 

//.  viridis,  which  much  resembles  it,  but  is  a 
smaller  plant,  is  hardy,  and  is  naturalized  in  some 
parts  of  the  country. 

JI.  ohjmpicus  is  a  beautiful  species  from  India, 
with  pinkish  flowers,  figured  in  Bot.  Reg.  28,  t.  58. 
It  is  not  quite  hardy,  but  by  covering  the  plants 
with  a  frame  we  winter  them  successfully. 


170  HERBACEOUS  PLANTS. 

S.  atroruhens  and  odorus,  natives  of  Hungary, 
are  also  a  little  tendei-. 

Figured  in  Bot.  Mag.  t.  4581. 

R.  orientalis  is  tender  even  with  frame  protection. 

The  Epimedium. 

We  consider  this  one  of  the  most  elegant  plants 
in  our  spring  garden ;  and  no  one  vrho  has  seen  the 
showy  and  curious  blossoms  of  E.  macranthum  and 
violaceum  will  dispute  the  assertion.  The  foliage  is 
very  neat,  finely  toothed,  and  remains  in  full  beauty 
all  summer ;  the  flowers,  which  are  freely  produced 
in  May,  are  singularly  graceful.  No  description 
can  give  an  idea  of  them.  All  the  species  are 
hardy  perennials,  and  do  well  in  any  deep  garden 
loam,  but  succeed  far  better  in  the  moist,  rich  soil 
of  a  Rhododendron-bed,  where  we  grow  them  in 
great  perfection.  Of  some  twenty  species  the. best 
are  macranthum,  pinnatum,  diphi/Uum,  with  white 
flowers,  and  violaceum,  with  white  and  purple  flow- 
ers ;  all  natives  of  Japan. 

E.  alpinum  is  a  European  species,  with  reddish- 
yellow  flowers,  which  increases  rapidly,  and  is  a 
good  plant  for  covering  the  ground  in  shady  places, 
or  under  trees :  it  also  thrives  well  on  rock-work. 
All  the  species  are  propagated  by  division  ;  but  they 
are  impatient  of  disturbance,  and  should  be  removed 
only  when  absolutely  necessary,  as  they  always  are 
some  years  in  recovering  from  the  effect.  The 
larger  the  clumps  are  the  better,  and  the  more 
showy  are  they  in  foliage  and  flower. 


HERBACEOUS   PLANTS. 


The  Cypripedium. 


171 


This  well-known  genus  of  terrestrial  orchids, 
commonly  called  Lady's  Slipper,  find  their  congenial 
home  in  a  Rhododendron-bed ;  and  only  in  such  soil 
can  they  be  cultivated  in  perfection. 

The  different  species  arc  among  the  most  beauti- 
ful of  our  native  plants;  while  their  easy  culture,  the 
one  requirement  of  soil  being  attended  to,  should 
place  them  among  the  most  popular  of  garden 
flowers. 

Yet  they  are  very  seldom  grown,  and  outside  of 
our  own  garden  we  know  of   none  where  all  the 
indigenous  hardy  species  can  be  found  in  cultivation. 
The  most  common  eastern  species  is  C.  acaule  or 
humile,  usually  found  wild  in  dry  sandy  woods,  pro- 
ducing its  showy  pink  or  purplish  flowers  in  May. 
This  species  is  rather  difficult  to  domesticate ;  but 
we  have  succeeded,  by  giving  it  a  more  sandy  soil 
than  the  other  siDCcies,  removing  it  from  the  woods 
both  in  early  spring  just  as  growth  was  beginning, 
and  in  autumn  when  the  plant  was  at  rest. 
A  variety  with  white  flowers  is  rarely  found. 
0.  arielinum,  the  Ram's  Head,  is  the  rarest  spe- 
cies, so  rare,  indeed,  that  many  amateurs  have  never 
seen  it  in  bloom.     It  is  a  small  plant,  with  flowers 
which  need  close  examination  to  reveal  their  beau- 
ties:  the  lip  is  veined  red  and  white,  the  petals 
greenish-brown.     It  is  a  native  of  cold  bogs,  and  if 
allowed  to  dry  up  in  cultivation  seldom  survives. 
A  shady  spot  in  rich,  damp  soil  is  the  place  for  it. 


172  HERBACEOUS   PLANTS. 

C.  parviflorum  and  pubescens,  the  smaller  and 
larger  yellow  Lady's  Slipper,  are  very  sliowy  plants, 
and  the  easiest  to  cultivate.  If  placed  in  good  soil,- 
with  an  admixture  of  peat  and  sand,  they  increase 
rapidly,  and  soon  form  large  clumps.  In  bloom  they 
are  very  showy,  often  giving  two,  and  sometimes 
three  flowers  on  a  stem.  Although  usually  consid- 
ered species,  they  seem  to  run  into  each  other. 
These  plants  will  live  in  common  garden  soil,  but 
they  die  out  in  a  few  years. 

0.  calceolus  is  a  European  species,  with  yellow 
flowers,  which  proves  with  us  perfectly  hardy,  and 
is  a  very  desirable  plant. 

Next  to  the  Ram's  Head,  the  smallest  species  is 
the  white-flowered  Lady's  Slipper  of  the  West  ((7. 
candiduiii).  It  is  a  very  pretty  plant,  with  delicate 
white  flowers,  the  lip  looking  like  a  bird's  Qgg. 

It  flowers  very  freely,  and  takes  kindly  to  cul- 
tivation. 

By  far  the  finest  species  is  C.  spectabile,  a  native 
of  our  northern  woods,  and  one  of  the  most  showy 
of  our  native  plants. 

It  is  a  tall  plant,  growing  from  eighteen  inches 
bO  two  feet  high,  with  large  clasping  foliage,  and 
beautiful  white  flowers,  blotched  in  front  with 
pinkish-purple :  there  is  also  a  pure  white  variety. 
In  good  soil  it  becomes  a  very  conspicuous  plant, 
giving  from  one  to  three  flowers  on  a  stem,  and 
soon  increasing  so  as  to  form  a  large  clump.  It 
blooms  in  July,  long  after  the  other  species  have 
faded. 

All  the  Lady's  Slippers  continue  long  in  l)loom, 


iii:iiBACi:ous  plants.  173 

and  are  vciy  ornamental :  we  cannot  liavo  too  many 
of  them. 

Tlic  best  way  to  obtain  a  stock  is  from  the  woods, 
.for  generally  florists  cannot  supply  them. 

They  may  be  transplanted  early  in  the  spring  or 
late  in  the  autumn,  and  once  planted  should  be 
seldom  disturbed. 

The  TiiiLLiUM. 

All  the  species  are  low -growing  plants,  w^ith 
tuberous  roots,  or  root-stalks,  and  arc  remarkable 
for  having  all  the  parts  of  the  plant  in  threes. 
Tliey  come  up  in  very  early  spring,  blossom,  and 
die  away  in  a  few  weeks,  unless  they  set  seed.  The 
finest  species  is  T.  grandijioriim^  a  very  beautiful 
plant,  which  succeeds  better  in  cultivation  than 
most  of  our  indigenous  flowers. 

The  individual  blossoms  are  pure  white,  changing 
to  deep  rose  before  they  fade,  and  in  rich  soils  are 
often  more  than  two  inches  in  diameter. 

A  clump  of  this  plant  is  one  of  the  most  attractive 
objects  in  the  spring  garden. 

T.  erectum,  a  more  common  species,  is  a  very 
showy  plant :  the  flowers  are  dark  chocolate-color. 
There  is  also  a  variety  with  dirty  white  flowers. 

T.  sessile,  a  western  species,  has  also  dull-colored 
lilossoms,  but  is  very  showy  from  the  elegant  foliage, 
which  is  beautifully  marbled  with  light  and  dark 
green. 

T.  pictum  or  crylhrocarpum  is  the  "  Painted  Tril- 
lium," and  is  the  most  difficult  of  all  to  cultivate. 


174  HERBACEOUS    PLANTS, 

It  grows  Ijest  in  pure  peat,  and  needs  a  very  shady 
situation. 

The  flowers  are  white,  delicately  painted  with 
rich  lake  at  the  base  of  each  petal. 

T.  cernuum,  the  "  Nodding  Trilliura,"  our  most 
common  species,  has  small  pinkish-white  flowers, 
which  nod  beneath  the  leaves.  It  is  not  very 
showy,  and  will  grow  in  any  garden  soil. 

There  are  also  some  Southern  species. 

All  the  Trilliums  do  best  in  rich,  deep,  peaty 
loam :  they  are  increased  by  seed  or  division,  but 
are.  somewhat  impatient  of  removal.  They  should 
be  transplanted  from  the  woods  in  early  spring,  and 
soon  domesticate  themselves. 

The  Lily. 

All  the  Lilies  like  a  deep,  rich  soil,  except  perhaps 
our  wild  blackberry  lily,  which  thrives  in  dry  sandy 
loam ;  but  some  never  display  themselves  in  full 
beauty  except  in  a  soil  in  which  peat  has  been 
mixed. 

This  is  especially  the  case  with  two  of  our  native 
species,  L.  superbum  and  canadetise,  the  droopiug- 
flowered  lilies  of  the  fields,  which  naturally  grow  in 
rich  meadows.  These,  removed  to  a  Rhododendron- 
bed,  become  plants  of  wonderful  beauty.  During 
the  last  summer,  we  had  about  thirty  specimens  of 
these  species,  not  one  of  which  was  less  than  five 
feet  in  height,  each  stalk  giving  from  ten  to  thirty 
drooping  flowers.  The  effect  of  these,  rising  from 
the  rich  foliage  of  the  Rhododendrons,  was  very 


HERI5.\Ci:0US    PLANTS.  175 

fine.  The  variety  of  color — for  even  of  ilie  same 
species  no  two  plants  are  alike  in  shading  —  was 
also  very  pleasing. 

Another  species,  which  is  never  seen  in  l!nll  beauty 
unless  planted  in  Rhododendron  soil,  is  the  Purple 
Martagon.  This  past  year  bulbs  of  this  kind,  two 
years  planted,  threw  up  stalks  over  four  feet  in 
height,  which  produced  from  twenty  to  thirty 
flowers  each. 

L.  Catesbcei,  the  Southern  Red  Lily,  also  grows 
and  blooms  very  freely,  as  do  also  all  the  varieties 
of  Zr.  umbellatum,  aurantium,  and  croceum.  The 
noble  L.  auratum  seems  to  thrive  better  in  a  soil  of 
peat,  loam,  and  sand ;  and  we  had,  the  last  summer, 
stalks  an  inch  in  diameter  and  four  feet  high,  the 
largest  giving  seventeen  flowers  from  bulbs  two 
}^ars  planted. 

The  Japan  Lilies,  while  blooming  in  the  Rhodo- 
dendron-bed, do  not,  however,  exhibit  any  remark- 
able luxuriance.  They  are,  however,  very  effective, 
as  the  background  of  dark  evergreen  foliage  sets  off 
the  large,  white  flowers  to  great  advantage. 

The  same  may  be  said  of  the  beautiful  Long-flow- 
ered Lily  (Z.  longifloruni)  and  the  Scarlet  Martagon 
(L.  chalcidonieum)  ;  indeed  the  latter  does  not  suc- 
ceed in  peat. 

The  old  white  Lily  (L.  candiduiii)  seems  also  to 
prefer  a  lighter  and  more  sandy  soil. 

Some  of  the  rarer  species,  such  as  L.  tenuifolium, 
pumilum,  and  kamtschaticum,  are  very  showy 
planted  on  the  borders  of  Rhododendron-beds. 


176  HERBACEOUS   PLANTS. 

The  old  Tiger  Lily  also  does  well,  but  is  rather 
coarse,  and  better  adapted  for  the  shrubbery. 

There  are  no  better  plants  than  Lilies  to  mingle 
with  Rhododendrons:  generally  sparse  in  foliage, 
the  latter  supply  it ;  and  the  showy  flowers  are  more 
effective  than  when  wholly  unrelieved  by  green,  as 
we  usually  see  them. 

They  grow  freely,  and  once  planted  take  care  of 
themselves.  Indeed,  a  Rhododendron-bed  is  worth 
all  the  trouble  of  making,  if  only  to  show  the  per- 
fection to  which  our  native  Lilies  can  be  grown. 


INDEX. 


INDEX. 


American  Cowslip,  164. 
.  AmmjTsine,  Tiie,  129. 
Andromeda  axillaris.  140. 

,,  cassiiixfolia.  141. 

„  Cafesbivi,  140. 

„  dealbata,  141. 

„  floribmula,  139,  143. 

,,  formosa,  142. 

,,  hvp'oides,  ].32. 

,,  Mariana,  142. 

,,  ovata.  141. 

,,  polifolia,  142. 

,,  pulverulenta,  141. 

,,  pulverulentissima,  141. 

,,  rosmarinilblia,  142. 

„  spinulosa,  140. 

,,  tetragona,  132. 

Anemone,  The,  I'S. 

,,  apennina,  159.' 

,,  Ilonorine  Joubert,  160. 

,,         japoniea,  KiO. 
,,  ,,        speciosa,  160. 

.,  narcissiflora,  159. 

,^  penn.syls-aniea,  160. 

,,  ranunciiloides,  1.09. 

„  thalictroides,  159. 

„  vitifolia,  160. 

Arbutus,  Trailins,  133. 
Arctostaphylos,  The,  132. 
,,     '         alpina,  132. 
,,  fclauea,  133. 

Uva-ursi,  132. 
Aris-Tema,  The,  l'J3. 

,,         Dracoiitium,  164. 
„         triphyllum,  163. 


Azalea,  The,  113. 

,,  amoena,  120. 

,,  arboresccns,  115. 

,,  calendulaeea,  117. 
,,  .,  varieties,  117 

„  Double  hardy,  120. 

„  general  culture,  114. 

,,  glauca,  117. 

„  Hardy  double,  12J. 

,,  iniliea,  122. 

„  iedilolia,  121. 

„  new  hardy  varieties,  119. 
„    .  nitida.  117. 
„    '  nuditlora,  116. 
,,  ,,  varieties  of,  IIC. 

,,  obtusa,  121. 

,,  oceidenfaiis,  122. 

,,  ovata,  122. 

,,  pha?nicea,  122. 

,,  pontica,  117. 
,,  ,,  varieties,  117. 

,,  procumbens,  123. 

,,  sinensis,  120. 

alba,  121. 

,,  squamata,  121. 

.,  viscosa,  117. 
,,  ,,        varieties,  118. 


B. 


Bearberr^^  132. 
Bellwort,  107. 
Bitter-Sweet.  149. 
liloodroot,  15'). 
Buneh-berry,  166. 
Buttercups,  168. 


180 


Calico  Bush,  124. 
Call  una,  The.  130. 
Caltha,  The,  1.57. 
,,       paliistris.  157. 
,,      parnassifolia,  158. 
,,      radicans,  158. 
Camassia,  The,  1G2. 

„         esculcnta,  162. 
Cassandra,  The,  140 

,,  calyculata,  140. 

„  „  latifolia.  141. 

,,  „  nana,  141. 

,,  ,,  ventricosa, 

141. 
Cassiope,  The,  131. 

„        hypnoides,  132. 
„        tetragona,  132. 
Checkerberrr,  134. 
Chiniaphila,'Tlie,  149. 

,,  luaculata,  149. 

,,  umbellata,  149. 

Chiogenes,  The,  135. 

„  hispidula,  135. 

Christmas  Rose,  169. 
Claytonia,  The,  IGl. 

,,  caroliniana,  161. 

,,         virginica,  161. 
Clintonia,  The,  1C6. 
„         borealis,  166. 
„         umbeUata,  166. 
Comparative  hardiness,  39.    • 
Convallaria,  The,  167. 

,,  majalis,  167. 

Cornus,  The,  166. 

,,        canadensis,  1G6. 
Cowberry,  137. 
Cranberry,  138. 
Crowberry,  137. 
Cuttings,  Propagation  by,  34. 
Cypripedium,  The,  171. 

,,  acaulc,  171. 

,,  arictinuni,  171. 

,,  calceolus,  172. 

,,  candidum,  172. 

,,     '      humile,  171. 
,,  parviflorum,  172. 

,,  pubescens,  172. 

„  spectabile,  172. 


Habnecia.  The,  130. 
Daphne,  The,  143. 
,,        alpina,  144. 


Daphne  altaica,  144. 
,,        cneoruui,  J  43. 
,,  ,,        inajus,  144. 

,,  ,,        variegatum,  144. 

,,        Laureola,  144. 
,,        Mezereon,  143. 
,,        pontica,  144. 
Deerberry,  138. 
Dentaria,  The,  158. 

„  diphvlla,  1.58. 
„  heterophylia,  158. 
,,  ]acinata,"l58. 
,,  maxima,  158. 
,,  multitida,  158. 
Diseases  of  Rhododendrons,  20. 
Dodecatheon,  The,  164. 

„  Jelfrcvanum,  165. 

,,  Moadia,  164. 

Dog-tooth  Violet,  163. 
Dwarf  Rhododendrons,  27. 

E. 

Empetrum,  The,  137. 

,,  nigrum,  137. 

Enemies  of  Rhododendrons,  20. 
Epig.Ta,  The,  133.    . 
„        repens,  133. 
Epimediuni,  The,  170. 

,,  alpinum,  170. 

,,  diphyllura,  170. 

,,  nir.cranthum.  170. 

,,  pi.matum,  170. 

,,  \iolacouni,  170. 

Erica  herbacea,  131. 
Erythronium,  The,  163. 

„  albidum,  163. 

,,  americanum,  163. 


F. 

Fair  Maids  of  France,  168. 
Ficaria,  The,  168. 

,,       ranunculoides,  168. 


Gaultheria,  The,  134. 

,,  procumbens,  134. 

„  serpvllifolia.  1-36. 

Shailon,  134. 
Grouping,  43. 
Gypsocallis,  The,  131. 

„  carnea,  131. 


INDEX. 


181 


11. 

Hardiness,  comparative,  39. 

,,  of  IJIiododundron?,  21. 

Hcatlier,  Tiie,  130. 
Heath,  Hardv,  130. 
Heloiiias,  The,  IGG. 

bullata,  IGG. 
Hellebore,  'J'he.  hi'.). 
llelleboriis  atrDnibuiis,  170. 
„  f.eti.liis.  KiU. 

,,  nii^or,  lO'J. 

0(i(.nis,  170. 
,,  olyninieiis.  169. 

,,         oriuntalis.  170. 
„         viridi^  1G9. 
Hepatiea,  The,  154. 
,,         aiij^iilosa,  155. 
„         IJarlowii,  154. 
„         double,  154. 
triloba.  154. 
Hillsides  for  Khododendron-beds,  9. 
Houeysuckle,  Wild.  110. 

„  Swamp,  IIG. 

Houses  for  winter  proteetion,  42. 
H^'bridization,  37. 
Hypericum,  The,  147. 

„  .ealyciuum,  147. 

,.  Kaliniamnn,  147. 

Uralum,  148. 


Importinjj  Rhododendrons,  23. 
Inarchiuj^,  l'ropaj,fatiou  by,  35. 
Indian  Turnip,  1G3. 
Indoor  culture  of  Ehododendrons, 

2d. 
Insects  attacking   Rhododendrons, 

20. 


Jack  in  the  Pulpit,  1G3. 
Jeffersonia,  The,  157. 

„         diphylia,  157. 


Kalmia,  The,  124. 

„        angustifolia,  12G. 


Kalmia  cuiieata,  127. 

,,  glauca,  12G.- 
„  „       stricta,  127. 

„  ,,       superba,  127. 

„  „       rosmariuifolia,  127. 

hirsuta,  127. 

„  latilolia,  125. 

„  mvrtilolia,  125. 


L. 

Lady's  Slipper,  171. 
Lambkill,  124. 
Laurel,  dreat,  53,  124. 

„       Sheep.  124. 
Laurel,  Spurf;-e,  144. 
Layers,  I'ropajxation  by,  33. 
Labrador  Tea,  127. 
i^edum.  The.  127. 

„       anfiustifolium.  128. 

„       biixitulium,  128. 

„       dccumbi'iis,  128. 

„       latifoliuni,  128. 

„       pakisfre,  128. 

thvmifoliuni.  128. 
Leiophyllum,  The.  128. 

.,  buxifolium,  129. 

„  thvmitblium,  129. 

Leucothoe,  The."l38. 
„  axillaris,  140. 

„  Catesbiei,  139. 

,,  floribmida,  138. 

,,  racemosa,  140. 

„  sjjiuulosa,  140. 

Liliumauratum,  175. 

„      auraiitium,  175. 

„      canadense,  174. 

„      ca  didum,  175. 

„      (.'atesba'i,  175. 

„      chalcidonicum,  175. 

„      croceum.  175. 

,,      lonjjitlorum,  175. 

„      pumilum,  175. 

,,      superbiim,  175. 

„      tenuifolium,  175. 
Lily,  The.  174. 

„    of  the  Valley,  1G7. 

,.       ,,  „  '   varieties  of,  167 

Lilies,  Japan,  175. 

„      JLartagon,  175. 
Linna;a,  The,  13G. 

,,        borealis,  13G. 
Loam,  9. 

Loiseleuria,  The,  123. 
Lyonia  Mariana,  142. 


182 


INDEX. 


M. 

Manuring,  13. 
Manures,  liquid,  14. 
Mazaneta,  l;i3. 
Marsh  Marigold,  157. 
May  Flower.  The,  133. 
Menziesia,  The,  129. 

„  coerule.i,  129. 

„         lerrugiuea,  12D. 

„  ,1  globularis 

129. 
Mitella,  The,  165. 
„       diphj'Ua,  165. 
„       uuda,  1G5. 
Mitchella,  The,  136. 

repens,  13G. 
Moneses,  The,  149. 

,,        unifiora,  149. 
Mountain  Laurel,  124. 
Alulchihg,  12. 
Mulching,  various  kinds  of,  13. 


New  .\zaleas,  119. 
,,    Rhododendrons,  91-105. 


Osalis,  The,  1G2. 

„       Acetoseda,  102. 
„       violacca,  102. 


P. 

Pachysandra,  The,  104. 

.,  procumbens,  164. 

Partridge  berry,  130. 
Peat,  8. 
Pernettya,  The,  145. 

,,  angustitblia,  146. 

,,         mucronata,  146. 
Phyllodoce,  The,  129. 

„  empetritbrmis,  130. 

taxifolia,  130. 
Pieris  for;:iosa,  112. 
Pinxter  Flower,  110. 
Pipsissewa,  149. 

Plants  imported,  unpacking,  10. 
Plants  imported,  after  treatment,  11. 
Polygouatum,  The,  167. 


Polygala,  The,  148. 

"  „         Chamajbuxus,  143. 
Preparatioii  of  the  Soil,  3. 
Propagation  of  Khododendrons,  33. 
Propagation  of  Khododendrons,  by 

cuttings,  34. 
Propagation  of  Rhododendrons,  by 

inarching,  35. 
Propagation  of  Rhododendrons,  by 

layers,  33. 
Propagation  of  Rhododendrons,  by 

seed,  36. 
Protection,   winter,    of   Rhododen- 
drons, 21. 
Protection,  winter,  by  houses,  42. 
Pruning,  15. 
Pulsatilla,  The,  160. 
Pyrola,  The,  148. 

„       chloraiitha,  149. 
„       elliptica,  149. 
„       minor,  149. 
„       rotundifolia,  148. 
„       secunda,  149. 
,,       uniflora,  149. 


R. 

Ram's  Head,  171. 
Ranunculus,  The,  168. 

„    .     aconitifolius  flore  pleno, 
168. 
Rhodora,  The,  123. 
Rose  Bay,  53. 

Rhododendrons,  after  flowering,  18. 
„  as  parlor  plants,  32. 

Rhododendron-beds,  5. 

„  „      situation,  5. 

,,  „       Preparation  of,- 

7. 
„  „      drainage,  7. 

„       Filling  for,  8 
,,  „       on  hillsides,  9. 

„  „      Treatment    of, 

20. 
Rhododendrons,  Di.seases  of,  20. 
„  Dwarf,  27. 

„  Enemies  of,  20. 

„  ■  Forcing,  31. 

„  Grouping,  43. 

„  Habitat  of,  4. 

„  Hardiness  of,  21. 

,,  Houses  for  tender, 

30. 
„  How  to  obtain,  24. 

,,  Importing,  23. 

„  Indoor  cultui-e,  29. 


INDEX. 


Ilhoilodeiulrons,    list     of    I'l^litoeu 
very  line,  lu8. 
„  list  ot"  twenty-tive 

very  line,  108. 
„  list  of  late  bloom- 

ing, 109. 
„  list  of  new,   prob- 

ably hardy,   lo'J. 
„  list   of  tweiiU'-tive 

very  distinct,  lOli. 
,,  list  of  varieties  tor 

Standards,  110. 
,,  planting.  10. 

„  jn-ona'^ation,  33. 

suod-vosscls,       re- 
nicviii-   18. 
„  ."Standard,  25. 

„  „         planting, 

2d. 
„  t  lie  best  one  hardy, 

107. 
„  the      best      three 

hardy,  107. 
,,  the  best  six  hard}-, 

107. 
„  the     best     twelve 

hardy,  107. 
„  the     best     twenty 

hardy.  108. 
„  Time   of -covering, 

23. 
„  Time  of   uncover- 

ing, 23. 
„  Watering,        after 

flowering,  19. 
,,  Wind  injurious  to, 

21. 
,,  Winter    protpctioa 

of,  21. 
Uhododendron  Achievement,  91. 
Aclandianiuu.Ol. 
acubjefolium,  52. 
acutilobuni,  Ul. 
leruginosuni,  71. 
Admiration,  91. 
Alaric,  91. 
Alarm,  91. 
albiliorum,  59. 
album,  77,  91. 
„       elegans,  92. 
„      flavum.  89. 
„      grandiflorum, 

92. 
„      speciosum,58, 

84. 
„      triumphans, 


Khodo 


•ndron  Alexander  Adie,  92. 
alstronieroides,  82. 
alta-clarense,  58. 
Amilcar,  92. 
-Vmbroise,  92. 
Andcrsoni,  92. 
Ange  Vcrvaet.  02. 
Annihilator,  92. 
anthopogon,  59. 
Ai.rilis,  82. 
arboreum,  56. 

,,  album,  57. 

,,  cinnamo- 

inoum,  57,  87. 
alboreuni  niveum.  57. 

,,        l'a.\:toni,57. 

,,         roseum,  57. 

,,         hybrid   va- 
rieties, 58. 
Archeduc  Etienne.92. 
Archimedes,  92. 
argeuteum,  i)7. 
Ascot  brilliant,  92. 
Athene,  93. 
atrosaiiiiuineum,  93. 
Attila,  93. 
Auclandii,,G8. 
Augustus,  93. 
Auguste  Van  Geert, 

93. 
aureum  magnificum, 

88-89. 
Aurora,  93. 
azaleoides,  51. 
azureum,  93. 
barbatum,  05. 
Barclaj'anum,  93. 
Baron  Cuvier.  93. 
Haronesse      Lionel 

Kothsehild,  93. 
Batemani,  77. 
Bertie  I'arsons,  93. 
Bianca,  89. 
l)icol()r.  93. 
Bijou  de  Gand,  93. 
blanche  superbe,  93. 
blandfordianum,  77. 
blandum,  02. 
lilandyatmm,  93. 
Blatteum.  93. 
Boothii,  77. 
Brabantia,  94. 
Brayanum.  94. 
Brennus,  94. 
Brilliant,  94. 
Brookianum,  78. 
Brouffhtoni,  94. 


184 


Rhododendron  Brutus.  94. 

„  Burlingtonii,  89. 

„  Bylsiaiium.  94. 

„  calitbrnicum,  56. 

„  calopliylhim,  78. 

„  camellireflorum,  73. 

„  cainpaimlatum,  59. 

n  ■!  su- 

perbum,  GO. 

,,  Campbelliae,  GG. 

„  camp\-locarpum,  74. 

„  candelabrum,  74. 

„  candidissimum,  94. 

(Par- 
son's), 94. 

„  candiduni  94. 

.,  caj-neuni,  83. 

„  „         versicolor, 

„  Caractacus,  94. 

„  Cartoni,  i;3. 

„  Catawbiense,  90. 

„  ,,  hybrids,. 

yl-106. 
„  caucasicum,  GO. 

„  caucasicum      album, 

GO. 
„  caucasicum        arbo- 

reuni,  &4. 
„  caucasicum      Xoble- 

auum,  61. 
„  caucasicum    pulcber- 

rimum,  60. 
caucasicum     stranii- 

neum,  60. 
„  chaniEecistus,  63. 

„  Championpe,  76. 

„  Chancellor,  94. 

„  Charles  Bavlej',  94. 

„  Charles  Dickens,  94. 

„  cheiranthifolium,  51. 

„  chionoides,  94. 

„  Climax,  l.'5. 

„  Chloe,  95. 

„  chrvsanthum,  61. 

„  ciliatum,  72. 

„  ,,        roseo  album. 

72. 
„  cinnabarinura,  66. 

palli- 
dum, GG. 
,.  citrinum,  75. 

„  Cliveanum,  95. 

„  .Clowesianum,  95. 

„  coelestinum,  95. 

„  coelestinum     grandi 

florum,  95. 


Rhododendron  coelestinuiu 
95. 


pictuiu. 


coerulescens,  95. 
Columbus,  95. 
Comtesse   Ferdinand 

Visant,  88. 
concessum,  95. 
congestum    aureura, 

8y. 
congestum     roseuni, 

95. 
Comet,  93. 
Comte  de  Gomer,  65. 
coriaceum,  95. 
Correggio,  95. 
Countess   of   Devon, 

95. 
Countess  of  Hadding- 
ton, 88. 
crispifiorum,  51. 
cruentum.  95. 
Cuiiningliani's 

Dwarf  White,    17, 

32,  50. 
cupreum,  83. 
Currieanum,  96. 
Dalhousia.  G5i 
daphiioides,  88. 
dauricuui,  55. 
dauiicum  atrovirens, 

55. 
dauricmn       semper- 

virens,  55. 
Decorator,  96. 
delicatissimum,  96. 
delicatum      aureum, 

89. 
Denisonii,  84. 
Desdemo  a,  9G. 
Dona  Maria,  96. 
Dorkinsii,  96. 
Double      Flowering, 

52-53. 
Due  de  Brabant,  96. 
Duchess  de  Nassau. 

96. 
Duchess    of   Suther- 

hand,  96. 
Duke  of  Cambridge, 

96. 
Duke  of  Norfolk,  96 
E.  C.  Baring,  96. 
Edgeworthi,  71. 
Edward  S.  Rand,  96 
elseagnoides,  67. 
Elfrida,  96. 
Eminent,  96. 


INDEX. 


185 


Rhododendron  (M-octmn,  97. 
Eteiulurd     d 


rian- 

dn-s,  1)7. 
Ktoilc  dc  Villiers  97. 
Evere.stianuni,  97. 
ralconeri,  G7. 
Farrenv,  7G. 
lastuosiun        flore 

pluno,  it7. 
Taust,  97. 
ferrup;ineimi,  (j2. 
ferrugineiini    alljuni, 

G3. 
FleurdeFlandres,  07. 

„     „   Marie,  97. 
fonnosiim,  74,  t9. 
Fortiini,  82. 
fragrans,  86. 
Francis  Dickson,  97. 
t'ulgens,  72. 
genimiferum,  97. 
General  Cabrera,  97. 
Geiiseric,  97. 
Georgianuni,  97. 
Gil)soni,  75. 
giganteuni,  97. 
glauciim,  70. 
Gleiinvaiiuni,  98. 
gioriosuni,  89,  98. 
Gloire   de    Bellevue, 

98. 
Govenianum,  87. 
Grand  Due  de  Bade, 

85. 
grande,  78. 
grandiHoruni,  98. 
(jritHthiaNum,  78. 
Giiido,  98 
Giiliiare,  98. 
guttatiim,  53. 
Hannibal,  98. 
Ilendersoni,  98, 
Henrv  Uessamer,  98 
Heste'r,  98. 
H.H.  Hunnewell,  98. 
hirsntum,  62. 
hir.-Jiitum       variega- 

tum,  62. 
Ilodgsoni,  69. 
HoLcartb,  98. 
Ilookcri.  79. 
II.  W.  Sargent,  98. 
hybrids,  82-89. 
hybridum.  87. 
hvacinthiflorum,  52. 
ligo,  98. 
Ingram!,  98. 


Hhodoi 


lendron  .lames  Hatcinan,  98. 

.laMi.-.-<  NaMiivth,  98. 

.James  .Mcintosh,  99. 

.1.  .Ma^^hall  ISrooks, 
99. 

jasuiinifloruni.  75. 

Jjivanicwm,  75. 

Javanieum  aurantia- 
cum,  75. 

.Jenkinsii,  8J 

.l..hnS|»'neer,  99. 

.lolui  W.iterer,  99. 

.)olui>(inianuni,  99. 

.biscph  Wliitworth, 
99. 

kamtsfliaticnm,  63. 

Kendrickii,  79. 

Keysii,  79. 

LmW  Annette  de 
Tiaftbrd,  99. 

I^ulv  Armstrong,  99. 

I.ady  Clermont,  99. 

Ladv  Uorotliv  Ne- 
ville, 99. 

Ladv  Eleanor  Cath- 
cart,  99. 

Lady  Emily  Peel,  99. 

Lailv  Falmouth,  99. 

Lidv  (iodiva,  99. 

laiiatinn,  70. 

Lee's  Purple,  99. 

Ladv  I'Vances  Cross- 
ley,  99. 

lancitblium,  05. 

lapponicum.  63. 

Let'evreanum.  100. 

Leviathan,  100. 

lo(.panli,  100. 

Irpi.ldtiim,  68. 

liml.atum,  100. 

Lol)l)ianiim,  81. 

Londinense,  100. 

Lord  Clyde,  100. 

Lord  John  Kussell, 
100. 

Lowii,  51,  100. 

lucidum,  100. 

Lucy  Neal,  100. 

maeVanthum,  100. 

macranthnm  flavuin, 
89. 

maculatnm  grandi- 
florum,  100. 

maeulatum  nigrum, 
100. 

maeulatum  purpu- 
reum,  101. 


186 


Rhododendron  raaculatum 
101. 


nibriim, 


super- 


maculatum 

bum,  101 
Madame      Carvalho, 

101. 
Madame     Picouline, 

8G. 
Madame  Wagner,  86. 
Madame  Van  Houtte, 

85. 
Maddeni,  70. 
magnum  bonum,  101. 
Marc  Antony,  101. 
marginato      puncta- 

tum,  101. 
maximum,  53. 
maximum,    varieties 

of,  54. 
Metaphor,  101. 
Metternichi,  70. 
MichaelWaterer,  101. 
Milnei,  101. 
Minnie,  101. 
minus,  61 
mirandum,  101. 
mouhnaynense,  79. 
Mt.  Blanc,  101. 
j\rr.  John  Penn,  101. 
Mrs.  litzirerald,  101. 
Mrs.  G.  H.  W.  Hen- 

eage,  102. 
Mrs.    .John    Glutton, 

102. 
]\Irs.    John  Waterer, 

102. 
:\[rs.  Mihier,  102. 
Mrs.    Sam     Mendel, 

102. 
Mrs.  Joseph  Shuttle- 
worth,  102. 
Mrs.   R.  S.  Holford, 

102. 
Mrs.  Thos.  Brassov, 

102. 
Mrs.  Thomas  Wain, 

102. 
mnltimaculatum,  51. 
Murillo,  102. 
myrtifolium,  80. 
Neige  et  Cerise,  102. 
Neilsoni,  103. 
Nereus,  103. 
Ne  Plus  Ultra,  103. 
Nero,  103. 
nigreseens,  103. 
Nilagiricum,  74. 


Rhododendron  nivale,  72. 

„  nivaticum,  52. 

„  niveum,  08. 

„  Nobleanum,  61. 

„  Nuttallii,  80. 

„  obovatum,  68. 

„  oculissimum,  103. 

Old  Port,  103. 
„  oniniguttatum,  86. 

„  Onslowianiim,  103. 

„  ornatum,  81),  103. 

,,  ornatissimum,  103. 

Othello,  103. 
Othello         (Van 

Houtte),  85. 
ovatum,  88. 
„  papilionaceum,  103. 

„  Pardoleton,  103. 

„  Paxtoni,  103. 

„  pelargoniflorum,  103 

,,  pendulum,  09. 

,,  Perfection,  103. 

„  PeiTieanum,  103. 

„  perspicuum,  103. 

pictum,  51,  103. 
„  ponticum  album,  51. 

„  ponticum  flore  pleno, 

52. 
„  ponticum       hybrids, 

50-53. 
„  ponticum,  49. 

„  ponticum,       golden  • 

leaved,  50. 
„  ponticum      roseum. 

52. 
„  ponticum,  silver- 

leaved,  50. 
„  ponticum, variegated, 

50. 
„  ponticum,    varieties, 

50-53. 
.,  Poussin,  103. 

,.  precox,  83. 

President    van    den 

Hecke,  104. 
,,  primulinum  elegans, 

89. 
„  Prince  Albert,  104. 

„  Prince     Gamille     de 

Rohan,  104. 
„  Prince  Eugene,  104. 

„  Prince    of    Wales 

(Rollinson's),  83. 
„  Prince    of    Wales 

(Young's),  104. 
„  Princess    Mary    of 

Cambridge,  104. 


INDEX. 


1^7 


Khododendron  Princess  Alexandra, 

84. 
„  Princess  Alice,  85. 

'    „  Princess  Helena,  85. 

„  Princess    of    Wales, 

104. 
,,  pmnilum,  G9. 

,,  punctatiim,  61,  89. 

„  purpureuni    elegans, 

104. 
,,  purpureuni  crispum, 

104. 
,,  purpureuni     grandi- 

Horuni,  104. 
„  Purshii.  -.4. 

„  Puritv,  104. 

„  Raphael,  104. 

„  Reedianuni,  104. 

„  retusuni,  So. 

„  Rosabel.  104. 

„  roseo  album,  72. 

„  roseum  elegans.  104. 

„  roseum  granditiorum- 

104. 
„  roseum  pictum,  104. 

„  roseum       superbum, 

104. 
„  Roylii.  00. 

R.  S.  Field,  104. 
„  Rubens,  lUo. 

„  Russcllianum.  58. 

„  salicitolium,  51. 

„  saligueum,  71. 

,,  salmono  roseum,  105. 

„  Schiller,  105. 

,,  Scipio,  105. 

„  Sesterianum,  84. 

,,  setosum.  71. 

„  Shepherdii,  80. 

„  Sher\voodianum.l05 

„  Sidney  Herbert,  105. 

,,  Sigismund     Rucker, 

105. 
„  Sikkim   species,  65- 

„  Sir  Charles  Napier, 

105. 
„  Sir    Isaac    Newton, 

105. 
„  Sir  James  Clark.  105. 

„  Sir  John    Thwaites, 

105. 
„  Sir  Robert  Peel,  105. 

„  Sir  Thos.  Seabright, 

lOo. 
„  Sir  Win.  Armstrong, 

105 


Rhododendron  Smithii,  80. 

,,  Smithii  coccinea.  5S. 

,  Souvenir     de     Jean 

IJyls,  105. 
„  speciosuni,  105. 

,,  splendens,  105. 

„  Stamt'ordianum.  105. 

,,  Standard    of  Planci' 

crs,  106. 
„  Standishii.  106. 

,,  Stella,  106. 

,,  Sultana,  100. 

,,  Surprise,  106. 

The     Grand     Aral). 
106. 
„  The  Sun  of  AuMcr- 

litz,  100. 
„  The  Gem,  106. 

„  The  Queen,  106. 

„  The  Warrior,  100. 

„  Thibaudiense,  81. 

Thomsoni,  6'J. 
„  Titian,  106. 

,,  Torlonianum,  87. 

tortulosum,  52. 
,,  Towardii,  106. 

,,  trillorum,  70. 

,,  undulatuni,  58. 

,,  vacciiiioides.  67. 

„  Vandyke,  106. 

,,  Veichiantim.  81. 

„  Verschatlcltii,  106. 

Vervaneanuni.  5-'J. 
„  Vesuvius.  106. 

vestitum  coccineum, 
106. 

Victoria      (I'incc's). 
106. 
„  Victoria,  106. 

virgatum,  7.3. 
;,  Wallichii,  66. 

Wellsianum,  54. 
,,  W' ightii,  7a. 

,,  Wilsoni,  8-3. 

,,  Wm.  Downing,  106, 

,,  Windsorii,  81. 

s. 

Sand,  9. 
Sanguinaria,  The,  156. 

,,  canadensis,  156. 

Scilla,  The,  161. 
,,      Fraseri,  162. 
,.      siberica,  161. 
i  Seed.  Propagation  by,  36. 


188 


INDEX. 


Shooting  Star,  IG-l. 
Skimmia,  The,  144. 

,,  japonica,  145. 

,,  oblata.  145. 

Smilaciua,  The,  167. 

,,  bitblia,  168. 

Soil,  Mode  of  mixing,  9. 

,,    Preparation  of,  3. 
Solomon's  Seal,  167. 
Spoonwood,  124. 
Squill,  The,  161. 
St.  Johns-wort,  147. 
Standard  Rhododendrons,  2b. 
Standard  Rhododendrons,  planting 

26. 
Star  Flower,  165. 


T. 

Tan  for  mulching,  13. 
Thalictrum  anemenoides,  159. 
Tiarella,  The,  165. 

,,        cordifolia,  165. 
Time  of  covering  Rhododendrons, 

23. 
Time  of  uncovering  Rhododendrons, 

23. 
Toothwort,  158. 
Transplanting,  16. 

,,  Season  for,  17. 

Trien talis,  The,  165. 

,,  americana,  165. 

Trillium,  The,  173. 
„         cemuum,  174. 
„        erectum,  173. 
„        erythrocarpum,  173. 


Trillium  grandifliorum,  173. 

,,        pictum,  173. 

,,        sessile,  173. 
Twin  Berry,  136. 
Twinleaf,  157. 


Unpacking  imported  plants,  10 
Uvularia,  The,  167. 


Vaccinium,  The,  137. 

macrocarpon,  13f 
oxycoccus,  138. 
stamineum,  138. 
Vitis-IdKa,  137. 
,,  majus 


w. 

Watering  after  planting,  11. 

Wild  Honeysuckle,  116. 

Wind  injurious  to  Rhododendrons, 

21. 
Wintergreen,  The,  148. 
Winter  protection.  Houses  for,  42. 


Zenobia,  The,  141. 
,,        speciosa,  141. 


!:., 


'■'■'MW-'—^ 


?\^- 

c 

APR  22 

.349 

MY  7 

^2 
•58 

